How to Be a Perfect Girl Part 2

Part 2: Being Your Best Self

1. 
   Act confident. Most people are attracted to confident and optimistic personalities. Why? Probably because most people can be sad and withdrawn all by themselves, but being around someone happy lifts them up. Even if you don't always feel self-assured and happy, here's how to pull it off having magnetic confidence:

   • Practice strong posture. Keep your shoulders back, spine straight, and chin high. How you carry yourself communicates a lot to other people, so show them that you're capable and in-charge.
   • Compliment others instead of competing with them. When you notice someone doing something better than you, or what you wish you could do, pay him or her a sincere compliment instead of feeling envious. You'll feel great about doing a good turn, and it shows that you're not intimidated by the accomplishments of other people.
   • Fake it 'til you make it. No one feels confident and amazing all the time. But if you pretend you feel that way, you might actually notice your confidence improve as the day goes on.
2. 
   Smile often. Flashing your pearly whites is one of the best things you can do to be considered perfect.

   • Keep your smile natural and easy. Don't try to pull your lips too hard.
   • Allow your eyes to crinkle. When a smile causes your eyes to crinkle (called a Duchenne smile), people see it as more sincere.
   • Have a sense of humor. Laughing not only makes you feel better, it can help put other people at ease, too. Try not to take yourself or anything else too seriously.
3. 
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   Be polite and respectful. Presenting yourself to the world in a way that's dignified and elegant can help you win respect and admiration from other people. Consider these methods:

   • Practice good manners. Say "please" and "thank you," and don't badmouth anyone in public.
   • Try to avoid swearing. Cursing often will make others think that you're an unintelligent, immature person and would most likely ignore you. If it slips out, that can count as an "oops!" moment, but don't make it a habit.
   • Don't put down yourself or others. Nobody's perfect, and there will be times when you need to be critical. For the most part, though, try to avoid making criticism of yourself or other people part of your daily routine.
   • Remember your values. Peer pressure can be cruel and tempting, but it's only temporary. Your values are your reputation and your future. They are all you truly possess; they take a lifetime to build and a moment to destroy. Once they have been compromised, what have you got left?
   • Be mature. Know how to handle situations maturely and reasonably. You don't need to whine or cry to get what you want. It's fine to be goofy and have fun, but remember not to make a complete fool of yourself. Be cool, calm, and collected whenever possible.
4. 
   Maintain your own interests. Your interests are what make you interesting and unique, so make time for them. Participate in sports, music, reading, hobbies or whatever else you enjoy — it'll keep you well-rounded and fascinating.

   • Participate in extracurricular activities. They're a great way to meet people!
   • Stay busy. Being busy makes you interesting, so that when you're meeting new people you have things to talk about. Think about it: you'd be more interested in someone who has several interests and always has something going on than someone who simply sits around the house all day.
5. 
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   Focus on your education. A perfect girl always tries to be smart and get good grades. Make time to study, set up a schedule for your homework, and try to take a genuine interest in what you're learning. It'll pay off big in the future.
6. 
   Respect anyone and everyone. Always respect others and never let others tear you down, that will always lift you higher. Listen to your parents and respect them. Maybe once in a while clean up the house or do the dishes, they will appreciate it and you.

   • Remember to always listen to your parents, older relatives, and teachers. You might not agree with the things they say, but they are older and have more life experience. If you are obedient and pleasant when they ask something of you, they will notice and think highly of your maturity.
   • If you keep it up long enough, you may even be awarded more freedom. Just remember not to do anything crazy with your freedom or risk losing it.
7. 
   Be positive and proactive. You should neither seek out arguments and confrontations nor let people walk all over you or take advantage of your kindness. Letting people boss you around can damage your self-esteem and self-image. You're your own person.

   • Instead, learn to quietly diffuse arguments by being agreeable but firm. Tell people that you definitely respect their beliefs, views, or opinions, but may not necessarily agree. If someone really bothers or scares you, don't be afraid to be firm and, if necessary, tell someone.