Rock Your Rights

You, the independent, feisty and fearless COSMO girl, have the right to:

• Educate yourself. Before you head off into the working world, take the opportunity to study as much as you can. Not only will it look good on your CV, you’ll have more knowledge to take with you when you enter the job market.

• Travel the world. Take a tour through Europe, go festival hopping across the USA or find some hot Aussie’s down-under.

• Feel jealous every once in a while. Just be careful not to let jealousy affect your friendships. Keep the lines of communication open instead of harbouring your envious feelings.

• Stick to your values. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

• Choose the man you want to spend your life with. Never settle for second best.

• Take a duvet-day. Go to the spa with your girlfriends, relax on the beach or simply stay in your pyjamas all day and watch your favourite series.

• Party. But drinking (or drugging) and driving is not cool.

• Not respond to criticism. If you feel someone is attacking you or unjustifiably criticising you, you can choose to walk away and avoid conflict. Just remember, even COSMO girls aren’t right all the time…

• Be spoilt. If someone wants to buy you presents, take you out for dinners and whisk you away on a romantic holiday, enjoy it!

• Be fashionably late. But not too late, that is. Unfortunately, arriving an hour after the party has started is still considered rude.

• Cry during movies. It doesn’t matter if it’s an animated film or has a supposedly happy ending, your tissues won’t judge you.

• Have safe sex with whoever you want. You can be fun and fearless, but don’t make a habit of one-night-stands. Not only is it dangerous in the STI department, but you’re undermining your self-worth. Always remember to use protection.

• Eat a treat. Just because you eat healthily, doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed a slice of chocolate cake once in a while. Don’t overdo it though; otherwise it no longer counts as a treat.

• Perve. If a hottie walks past, who says you can’t lower your sunglasses and sneak a peak?

• Be independent.

• Stand up for yourself. Don’t be anyone’s doormat and stay true to what you believe in.

• Sing loudly while driving. Even if people stare as you belt out Kelly Clarkson, embrace your inner diva. It is your car after all.

• Splurge on at least one luxury per month. Buy a new bag, a hot pair of heels or a must-have DVD box set. But one item per month doesn’t mean you can go on an expensive budget-breaking shopping spree.

• Ask questions. Whether it is work-related or finding out where your boyfriend has been until 3am, you can raise your problems and ease your suspicions.

• Skinny dip. Sometimes it’s good just to let loose, have fun and take off your clothes.

Author: Lindi Brownell