Fairy tales often tell little girls what they should be like and how they should behave. For example, often "Princesses" need only be beautiful and patient as they await the arrival of Prince Charming. Once Prince Charming arrives, everything will be perfect, and they will live happily ever after. In reality, however, our lives often aren't fairy tale experiences.

In order to live happily and well in this life, young girls and women can do many things while waiting for their "Prince," keeping in mind he may or may not arrive, and if he does, he may not stay.

To grow toward financial independence, young women can:

To grow toward emotional independence, young women can:

To grow toward physical independence, young women can:

To grow toward intellectual independence, young women can: