Ten People All Women Need In Their Lives

1. Ethel Mertz
Face it, we all have our "Lucy" moments in life.  Just like the red haired lady, we need that best friend who will stand beside us when we eat too many chocolates or behind us when we drink too much "Vitameatavegimin" (or Margaritas).

2. A Boy Friend
Not a boyfriend, but a boy friend, as in platonic male pal.  He can never replace your girlfriends for those late night Ben & Jerry ice cream gossip sessions, but having a Ben or Jerry in your life can be just as beneficial.  With him you are free to watch the entire Die Hard trilogy, practice your Godfather impressions or just belch out loud.  He won't blink, much less judge.  And his insight is especially helpful when you have all those "Y" questions, such as "Why are men so...?", "Why did he...?, "Why won't he...?"

3. A Posh Pal / Stylish Sidekick / Frugal Fashionista
That stylish sidekick who not only helps you navigate the chaos of your own closet, but finds deals on to-die-for duds for you, even when out shopping for herself! Tell her what you need; A simple accessory? Elegant evening gown? She will wear out her own discount Manolos to emerge triumphant – with change to spare!

4. Money Maven / Accounting Ally / Greenback Guru
Whether you are looking to fund your child's education or refinance a mortgage, having a sound financial pro in your Palm Pilot is as responsible as it is reassuring.  Begin your quest for fiscal fitness by first asking friends or family for recommendations. Additionally, the Internet is a wealth of information, advice, and options.  The Financial Planners Standards Council, at www.cfp-ca.org helps you narrow the financial field with the 10 Questions To Ask A Financial Planner.

5. A Trusted Hair Stylist
Trusted being the keyword!  Seek out that "mane" man or woman who understands the words "just a trim" and can teach you how to achieve those salon savvy results at home.  Just remember that great results do not always mean expensive boutique.  Start your search by simply looking around.  Next time you see someone walking past with your hair on their head (ok, the hair you desire), compliment them and ask for the name of their stylist. You may be pleasantly surprised to find their great clips actually come from Great Clips.

6. Fitness Buddy
Buddy up to slim down!  A University of Pittsburgh diet and exercise study found that 95% of participants recruited with a friend, not only completed the 10 month program, but 2 out of 3 maintained their weight loss in full.  Results for solo participants ran far behind.  Charles Stuart Platkin, Director of the Institute for Nutrition and Behavioral Sciences concurs, "Having a 'fitness buddy' provides increased motivation and improved results, while enhancing your overall workout experience."

7.  A Gynecologist
Despite the paper gown and the awkward position, a visit to him/her can actually save your life.  Death rates from cervical and breast cancer continue to decline, but early detection is the key.  Make your appointment today.

8. A Child - Any Child
It can be your own son, daughter, niece, nephew, or even a neighbor's child – there is nothing like watching children at play, and listening to their laughter, to remind us how simple life really can be.

9.  Katherine Hepburn
The grand dame herself has passed on, but having an older, empowered, feisty female role model in your life, is wonderful for perspective and the reminder to live life fully, every single day.  To quote Ms. Hepburn, "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun."

10. Dream Lover
Indulging in a little mental stimulation while being amorous can actually enhance your lovemaking.  According to Wendy Maltz, nationally recognized sex expert and co-author of the book, Private Thoughts, "Sexual fantasies are a normal, natural psychological phenomenon...fantasies function to decrease anxiety and increase sexual interest and arousal." So if Sean Connery livens up your libido, go for it. As long it takes you both to seventh heaven, your partner need never know your inspiration is 007!

An internationally read author, columnist, event speaker, and media guest, Linda Sharp makes people laugh and think from Maine to Malaysia. Enjoy her book Stretchmarks On My Sanity and add her daily blog, Don't Get Me Started, to your online favorites! Look for her new book, Femail: A Comic Collision In Cyberspace this winter! Give her a Google - you'll be glad you did.