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• Make friends    just don`t wait for first moves. Move first. At parties, in queues, on the train, in the air, whatever. You never know. Many a chance meeting has founded great friendships. The kind that go down in books.

• Smile.... and the world smiles with you. So, smile all the time. You may feel foolish at first but soon, you will be smiling in the face of all adversity. Now, if that isn`t confidence what is?

• Listen. People need a listening ear, a strong shoulder and a warm touch. Listen when someone is talking to you. Don`t cast about in your mind for a tale to top hers. True confidence is the ability to empathise and connect.

• Being inspired is not "aping". Is there someone you admire vastly? Observe her, make her your role model.

• Take pride in your appearance. Looks are not everything, but they do matter. A lot. Dress well. All the time. No- you are not running for "glamour girl" but confidence is as confidence looks! Never get that casual that you become dowdy, dumpy and plain messy. Wear your attitude.

• Get involved in a "cause" that is close to your heart. Nothing bolsters self-confidence like helping those in need.

• Steer clear of emotional leeches    people who drain you of your best qualities and leave you feeling depressed.

• Would you depend on yourself to deal with any situation? Learn to be the one person you would call upon in a crisis, be it as small as changing the gas cylinder to helping out in an accident.

• Cultivate one big passion    a hobby or interest that is all consuming. And one that is a minor interest. Colour, clothes, anything.

• When someone compliments you, say `Thank you`. Then keep quiet. Don`t make an issue and brush the comments off.

• Count your blessings. Sit down and write down all the things you have going well for you. Forget about the melancholy list, who needs that? Remember your gifts and feel good.

Remember what we started off with? Yes.
YOU are the best. You ARE the best. You are the BEST. Right?