How to be the heroine of your own life

[image error]It is a truth universally acknowledged that a heroine is in possession of certain admirable qualities with just enough quirks and weaknesses to keep things interesting. She triumphs over obstacles, both external and internal, has grand adventures, and she is rewarded with all manner of love and wealth and happiness.

I want to be a heroine.

More specifically, I want to be like the heroine of a romance novel, but in my real life. This is exactly what the status quo does not want (as this video demonstrates).  But I suspect this is exactly what the world needs: more uppity, honest, talented, well-loved and well-pleasured women.

A reader recently wrote to me with the following story that illustrates exactly why we might just want to emulate the heroines of these books we so adore:

One of my classmates walked up to me during study hall, leaned over my shoulder and said, "You know, if you concentrated more on your classwork instead of reading trashy romance novels, you'd get better grades." If I hadn't been given permission and pity quips from romance heroines, I might have stopped reading and done the "dutiful" thing. Instead I looked squarely up at him and told him if he'd learn to mind his own business, he'd have a social life.

It's not about cutting remarks, but about feeling empowered to speak up and being proud of oneself. (And to teach those rogues a thing or two.) And  also seizing the moment, rather than grumbling over witty retorts hours later.

Taking romance novels as my guide, my quest for 2012 is how to be a heroine in my own life.  Everything from how to cause a scene to how to be gracious under pressure. How to deliver a witty retort and how to lift one eyebrow (really, how do they do that? Is it even possible?). How to spot a hero and how to handle meddling busybodies. How to be happy with oneself. How to make every day a happily-ever-after.

Important questions:

What are some heroine characteristics that'd you like to have? 
Can anyone here lift one eyebrow? (Or do you know anyone who can?)