On a crisp winter day, my phone pinged with an urgent message from my friend, Sarah. In a whirlwind of frustration as she tackled her messy house, she accidentally knocked a piece of furniture against the wall, leaving a noticeable hole. Not wanting to face her husband’s teasing about her “superwoman” cleaning abilities, she texted me for help with the repair. Having dealt with my own share of wall mishaps due to kids and pets, I grabbed my spackle and trusty trowel and headed over to assist her in covering up the evidence of her mishap.
As I sanded and spackled that impressively large hole, we chatted about all the tasks we often defer to our partners—some because we simply haven’t learned them, and others because, let’s face it, they can be downright unpleasant. While we’ve all become pros at unclogging toilets thanks to our little ones or deciphering the cryptic remotes our partners leave lying around, many of us still lack basic knowledge about home and car maintenance.
And we should change that, ladies.
I’ll tell you what: There’s something incredibly empowering about jumping a dead car battery while using Google for guidance, all while managing a few kids running around. Gaining skills in minor car repairs not only boosts your confidence but also makes you feel more competent when discussing car issues with your mechanic. Plus, don’t worry about admitting you looked something up online—men do it all the time without a hint of shame.
Here are five vital skills every woman should learn to tackle confidently:
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How to Change a Tire
Let’s face it; we don’t face flat tires as often these days, thanks to advancements in tire technology. However, it’s crucial to know how to change one—at least to some extent. Knowing how to use a jack, remove lug nuts, and find your spare tire can come in handy, especially if roadside assistance is delayed. Imagine regaling your friends with stories from a roadside tire change, where you confidently told a passerby, “Of course I know what I’m doing—don’t let me hold you up!” -
How to Shut Off Power or Water to Your Home
We’ve all heard tales of floods from burst pipes or kitchen fires. If disaster strikes while your partner is away, would you know how to act? Familiarizing yourself with your home’s circuit breaker and main water shutoff valve can save you from severe damage and costly repairs. Go check those out now—you’ll thank me later. -
How to Handle Household Pests
It’s time to put on your big girl pants and tackle those creepy crawlies! If you can handle a toddler’s tantrum or a baby’s unexpected mess, you can certainly deal with a stink bug or mouse trap. If your partner runs away at the sight of a spider, don’t be afraid to take charge—squash it, dispose of it, and send a message with a little humor: “Tell your friends what happens when they invade my space!” -
How to Use Power Tools
I can’t stress enough how liberating it feels to wield a power drill. There’s a certain pride in being able to tackle DIY projects, hang curtains, or assist with kids’ woodworking tasks. You’d be surprised at how many IKEA bookshelves you can assemble in an afternoon with a power drill by your side. Trust me; it’s empowering. -
Basic Car Maintenance
Having a foundational understanding of your vehicle can make a world of difference. Knowing how to check oil levels, add windshield washer fluid, and respond if your car overheats can save you from major issues and expenses down the line. And when someone at the gas station offers to check your oil, you can confidently reply, “No thanks, I did it yesterday!”
As for my spackling project at Sarah’s house, while I’m not vying for any home improvement accolades, I did a decent job. There’s a saying in medicine: “See one, do one, teach one.” Now, Sarah can confidently help a friend in need, thanks to our little spackling session. And just to clarify, despite my husband’s best attempts to teach me how to use the lawn mower, that’s not happening—sorry, not sorry! I’ll stick to the gas blower; it gives me that badass vibe in front of the neighbors.
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Summary
Empowering yourself with essential skills like changing a tire, managing household emergencies, and basic car maintenance can boost your confidence and independence. By learning these skills, you not only prepare yourself for unexpected situations but also demonstrate your capability to handle life’s challenges head-on.