Since 1996, Ann Aikens's newspaper column "Upper Valley Girl" has delighted readers with anecdotes, cautionary tales, and Ann's signature blend of humor and sincerity. Now Ann has collected her best advice into one volume aimed at helping the Young People (hereafter referred to as YPs) avoid her mistakes-or at least make more interesting ones. If you're a young woman looking ahead to college or your first job or serious relationship, or wondering how to navigate your 20s, this book will help you avoid the potholes in the road of life without missing the sights along the way. In this book, you'll discover: - How to become more comfortable in your own skin by learning to handle criticism and deciding when to say no - How to find your own fun, whether that's going to the movies alone or skinny dipping in the coldest possible water - How to make life more fun for everyone else, whether by cutting off a boring storyteller or doing a goofy walk past someone else's meeting - How to appreciate the little joys in life, like a favorite coffee spoon or sending a nutty postcard All this wisdom and much more-plus plenty of laughter-is waiting for you in The Young Woman's Guide to Life.