MY IDEAL WOMAN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3380, 27 June 1927, Page 8

MY IDEAL WOMAN.

(By Tallulah Bankhead.) How delightful it is, at times, to sit and dream of wonderful women; of the gifts and graces that we most covet. And then we come to earth only to find how wonderful some women are without any thought of perfection. But if I really could choose, give mo the most modern in everything. Let’s have progression, and no going back to the “good old days.” Why, even our most modern modes will 1 - 'Bibbed old-fashioned in a few years. So give me the shingle and the slim silhouette of present types, fair, and of the Anglo-Saxon stamp. "Beauty of features is unimportant, but what of the subtle question of age ? Of course, it is an unwritten law to plump for youth. iNow, youth’s very thrilling, but if a woman is clever and preserves herself from 30 to 40 should be her greatest period. Youthful joys and indiscretions are delightful, but easily forgotten and forgiven. Later there should be more discretion, more maturity, more appreciation of values, and consequently more’enjoyment. . Temperament, as distinct from character, must influence all things. I am one of those people who are deeply depressed or highly elated. I would not call that ideal, because one is apt to magnify difficulties, but an ideal temperament must be sensitive to. express personality. Some temperaments are so terribly level and undisturbed that they scarcely seem to live. An artistic temperament must be my choice, although the ideal woman must have some sporting gifts. She would play bridge, because those who cannot are often a bore. She would be “useful” at tennis because the woman who will not make a fourth may be a nuisance. So with golf: 1 would include these minor accomplishments not so much for themselves, but in order that the woman may take her part in everyday life and other folks’ affairs. Of course, genius in any direction is a valuable asset, but for small talent .1 would ask nothing better than to be able to play the piano well by ear. _ I wouldn’t give a thought for position in creating my woman. Riches or poverty do not preclude ideals, but 1 would have my ideal married. Nationality is a vexed question. While an English man is the only thing in the world to be, for a Voman I would make it American or English. But it’s so much a question of individuality. You may say you dislike Americans and yet find some delightful. As an American I do say that, en masse, our women are the most attractive in the world. J mean, if you take any ten .women, five American and five English the States women would all be attractive. Of the English, one might be more beautiful and have more charm than any of the Americans, but the other four would not be up to the American average. So Anglo-Saxon is as tar as 1 van go in nationality. But I am in. two minds about character. Charm, above everything. Beauty without charm is wasted. And, mind you, I want a woman with charm, not just a charming woman. And the ideal woman, heeause\she has charm, has a. sense of humor.' I-think that always follows. Beyond that give mo the heart of gold, the heart that loves and gives when no one is looking. With it will surely be that tolerance of other people’s weaknesses that compels affection.

Such, then, would be my ideal woman, an inspiration and a. delight, yet still retaining the essential femininity that alone can make her true woman.