Are you too dependent on your boyfriend?

Are you too dependent on your boyfriend? Many strong and intelligent women turn into a damsel in distress when their man is within whining distance. ‘Can you open this jar for me? Oh, this DVD manual is so confusing—please figure this out for me, honey.’ It’s as if, overnight, we’ve lost our ability to tinker with gadgets or change a lightbulb.

But having a man shouldn’t lead you to lose your independence. Here are some things that every woman should know how to do, whether or not she has a boyfriend

What to do when your car stalls

You don’t necessarily have to know your way under the car’s hood, but it helps to know how to change a tire. And if you drive frequently, at least ask your mechanic to tell you what to watch out for so you can spot small problems and have them fixed before the car breaks down completely. For your safety, have the number of a car-towing service in your cell phone, and always have a flashlight with you so you can signal for help in case your car breaks down in a dark place.

How to change the security settings in your gadgets

Protect your laptop, cell phone, and other mobile devices so that information can’t be retrieved when they’re stolen.

How to read a map

It’s funny how many educated women who can read business reports or even the complete works of Kafka are completely unable to read a map. It’s not a matter of intelligence but patience. We understand that it’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s a crucial skill—especially if you want to take one of those fun roadtrips with your girlfriends.

How do to do simple home repairs

You don’t have to be a DIY diva, but at least know the initial steps you can take before a repairman arrives. Like, what to do when the fuse blows, or the sink leaks and the bathroom floor’s flooded. You can ask someone to give you these ’emergency tips’ and then write it down so you won’t panic and feel like a princess in a tower when this happens alone.

Photo from cartoonstock.com