Things you don't dare to do but must start doing from now on

We are almost at the beginning of a new year and a new year calls for new attempts. I never really believe in concrete good resolutions, but I like to think of some general wisdoms that I want to stick to in the new year. Here they come.

Be honest with the hairdresser

In the meantime, I have a regular hairdresser who always cuts my hair well (Taco Stuiver) but that has been different for many years. I was terrified of the hairdresser because it often went wrong rather than right. Also, and especially, not getting a haircut is a hassle. That you get your hair done for an event and you see that it completely goes wrong. Intervene! Say that you want it differently! You pay for it, so it has to be exactly how you want it.

Say no more often

“Can you help me move?” “Can you pick this and that up for me?” “Sorry, I'm an hour late, do you mind waiting a bit?” All things you usually say yes to because, well, it’s such a hassle otherwise. But actually, it doesn’t make you happy at all, and things that don’t make you happy should be limited to a strict minimum.

Sending drunk texts

That you wake up the next morning feeling completely hungover, check your phone, and your stomach turns when you read all the lame texts you sent. Often to your flame, fling, or ex, often texts that you might only secretly think but NEVER meant to actually send.

Still drink that ‘one’ drink

I am really bad at saying no to that. That you actually have to get up early the next day because you have a shitload of things to do and really can’t use a hangover, but you still let yourself be persuaded to “just have one more drink for fun.” That one drink doesn’t exist. Really not. Don’t fall for The Myth Of The One Drink, it will give you a massive hangover AND guilt.

Making bad purchases because you don’t dare to say no

I am also a sucker for this, standing for hours in a store debating over a pair of pants or a dress and ultimately deciding not to buy it, but then again not daring to say that to the shop assistant because he or she has been so nice to help me and now I have to buy something.

Not giving speeches

That your best friend asks if you can give a speech at her birthday/wedding/whatever, and that just the thought of it stresses you out so much that you decide not to do it. But then, the day has arrived and you hear others giving speeches and think, “damn, I could have done this too, and even better.” So, always give speeches. Take an extra glass of champagne beforehand and push through it.