ENGAGEMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 119, 13 February 1926, Page 17

ENGAGEMENTS

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP In uo phase of life do people buy tbeir own experience more thoroughly, and sometimes more dearly, than tn matters matrimon al. In any other act of life involving fateful consequences the experience of others would be appreciated. Yet none are so deaf as lovers to advice, and none so blind to the inconsistencies peculiar to engagements. In many cases the reasons given for an engagement are as irrelevant as they are varied. Probably the reason most tisuallv given is that “she is so different from other girls,” “he is so difleretit from other men.” I he novcltv of dillerence is undoubtedly attractive (states a writer in an English exchange). But Jack should bear in mind that I’livllis is still a girl, endowed like other gi’-ls with all the constitutional and mental peculiarities ol her sex She max differ from other girls to anv degree, but onlv in degree. She is still a daughter ol Eve. Jack mav be ntleietit Irom other men, but his fiancee will discover in time that he is not so different as she at first imagined Men as a type van less than women Under given circumstances men generallv act alike. But no man can tell what a woman wil] do next

Due would expect a partnership for me to he based on solid foundations. Yet tn manv the temporary rather than tin- permanent qualities v.eigh most Pernaps he has a charming voice or striking eves. Perhaps she- has fascinating “kiss” curls, a seductive figure, or complexion of peach-like I.loom Un-'ertain foundations, all, foi a hfe partnership. iUany engagements are founded on ideals But ideals have a habit of crumbling before the rude touch of everyday life Idealists will get engaged with the idea of reforming cac’i other _ Vain delusion, for marriage does not alter neonle as manv so fondle hope; and -akes, coouettes, and gamblers remain unconverted sinners. Ideals alone are a doubtful foundation for lasting happiness. Few mortals can live up to them History proves that the love . aflaii s. of idealists and geniuses seldom run smoothly. No doubt personal magnetism plays an important part in engagement’s. Like repels like, while opposites attract. People who are identical in temperament and character are not likely to make good matches. So the fllghtv girl captures the strong, silent man, and the world says. “How unsuitable I”

I'lie principals of a life partnership ought to know something pf each other beforehand Yet many i engagements; arc tiie result ot superficial acquaintance.

In spite of our fiist parents' taste of the fruit of knowledge, it lias not been granted to modern Adam really to know liis helpmate Eve. To do so would shatter Paradise a second time. It is the unknown which fascinates. Tiie unknown is the mirage of romance, tiie "fata morgana” of lovers Banish mvsterv, and say farewell to engagements.