SELF SMOOCH

#10 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Wear a sexy little number while home alone

Close the curtains, dim the lights, and put on some saucy lingerie or that slinky little black dress in the back of your closet with those too-tall heels you can't walk in. Let your hair down, put on some bright red lipstick. It's fun to do something mundane, like the dishes, when you're dressed up like this. Remember, this is just for you, something for when you are home alone. It's all about flirting with your wild side and revving up that inner sex kitten. 10 bucks says you'll catch yourself checking you out in the mirror.

#9 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Stop looking!

No, really.

"When I was a little girl I used to spend hours looking for ladybugs. Finally, I'd just give up and fall asleep in the grass. When I woke up, they were crawling all over me." [from film Under the Tuscan Sun]

OUR DEEPEST FEAR

#8 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Get to know yourself better

You are getting involved in a very longterm (read: life long) relationship here. It's time to get serious and get to know this person better. Try writing down the answers to some of these questions:

• What are my dreams?
• What are my goals?
• Where do I see myself in 5 years? 10 years?
• What kind of partner am I?
• What roles do I play?
• What are my priorities?
• What do I have to offer others?
• How would my friends describe me?
• What do I value in a friend?
• What am I proud of?
• What are my top 3 life-defining moments?
• What have I learned from my past relationships?
• Who will cry when I die?

#7 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Do something you enjoy

Book some time out of your day to do something for your pure enjoyment. If you have money to spare, splurge on something. It certainly doesn't have to cost a thing. It might be something relaxing - a bubble bath, a massage, reading a book. It might be an activity - a run, a yoga class, painting. Whatever nurtures your spirit and makes you feel good. Plan it early in the day so you have something fabulous to look forward to.

#6 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Sing this song over and over until you believe it

* Remember: Maria feels pretty because she's in love with a boy. You feel pretty because you're in love with you!

What I love about this video is how it demonstrates how being in love can affect the way you feel about yourself. And how wonderful to know that we no longer need another person to create this glorious effect!

#5 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Dedicate love songs to yourself

If you're anything like me, hearing love songs on the radio while single can cause temporary suicidal depression. When those songs come on, make a mental dedication from you to you. Then listen to the song (or sing along) as if someone is singing the song directly to you. I think you'll find it will make you smile. And maybe even give you the warm fuzzies.

This next one goes out to me from me:

Have I told you lately that I love you?

Have I told you there's no one else above you?

You fill my heart with gladness

Take away all my sadness

Ease my troubles, that's what you do.

:)

#4 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Shave your legs

Don't save this for date night. Do it because it's a quick and simple way to start feeling like a sexy minx. (Tip: try putting baby oil on afterwards to make 'em super smooth.)

GOT A CRUSH ON THIS SONG

#3 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Make yourself nice meals

We all have to eat, regardless of our relationship status. But when you're cooking for one, it's easy to fall into a rut of making the same meals all the time, substituting Cheerios for lunch and dinner or perhaps getting fast food instead. Make a point of preparing yourself a nice meal. Pull out that recipe that you usually reserve for company or that 3rd date meal you would normally make to impress your partner. Even if you are having a simple meal or a mac n' cheese night, do something to make the meal a little more special. Set the table before you sit down, put on a favorite cd, add a garnish to the dish, light a candle, pour yourself a nice glass of wine to go with that KD. Sit down and enjoy your company, and thank yourself for taking the time to prepare such a lovely meal.

I LOVE THESE QUOTES! (BUT I LOVE ME MORE)

“You can’t be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with."

- Wayne Dyer

“The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others.”
- Sonya Friedman

“A gold medal is a wonderful thing – but if you’re not enough without it, you’ll never be enough with it.”

- From Cool Runnings

"There is something great about knowing that my only job is to be as happy as I can be about my life, feel as good as I can about myself, and to lead as full and eventful a life as I can so that it doesn't ever feel like I'm just waiting around for some guy to ask me out."

- He's Just Not That Into You

#2 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Write yourself love notes

Write love notes and leave them around the house. On the bathroom mirror, in your sock drawer, at your desk, everywhere.

Personal examples:

• I hope you have a good day sweetheart.
• You are an incredible woman.
• Thinking about you.
• You look SMOKIN' hot today.

#1 RULE OF ME-LOVE

Compliment yourself

It is now solely your job to tell yourself all the things you want to hear. Bring a focus to the things you love about yourself, and acknowledge them (out loud if possible) wholeheartedly. Make a point of doing this in the morning. Maybe stand in front of the mirror and say 3 things you like about you. Or you could try making a list and add a new compliment every day. For a challenge, spend 10 minutes a day thinking nothing but good thoughts about yourself. It will probably feel uncomfortable at first, like you're being too vain or immodest. Do it anyway, exaggerate it, and welcome how good it makes you feel when you hear yourself say it. It's a great way to start the day, and trust me, it'll add a little pep to your step. This, of course, is not limited to the mornings. Keep it going throughout the day!

Personal examples:

• I am frickin' hilarious. I make me laugh.
• I have knockout legs.
• It's really nice of me to help out my friends when I can.
• I like the way I do my eye makeup.
• I'm proud of my accomplishments and where I am at my age.
• I'm a catch.