Women and the Home

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17029, 1 May 1923, Page 4

Women and the Home

CONTRIBU TIONS BY SPECIAL WRITERS

WHEN LOVERS FALL OUT.

Lovers’ quarrels are the bitterest sort ol quarrels there are. Things are said that are not meant, but that hurt very much at the time, and it is only when looking back on them that their absurdity becomes apparent. But while a quarrel lasts it is anything but absurd. It all seems very real, and one hasty remark leads to another. And so it goes on from bad to worse until at last the quarrel comes to a head, and is settled, or the two separate and live to regret it for the rest of their lives. When lovers have a serious quarrel they give eaoh other no quarter, aud that’s where the danger lies. In their hearts they both want the quarrel o end, but neither wants to be the one to give in first. A lovers’ quarrel, when it becomes serious, is not th,e time to stand on. one s dignity. Future happiness is. at stake, and that is something that should not be sacrificed for the sake of a display of misplaced pride. However injured one may feel, the wisett course to follow is to give in even if one is perfectly certain at the time that the other is at fault. As a rule, when looking back on it. th© cause of the quarrel turns out to have been a case of mutual misunderstanding. And because misunderstandings ar© so hard to explain, it is a far more satisfactory ending to a lovers’ quarrel to make it up and leave explanations to look after themselves. So. when the quarrel is over, don’t be over anxious to go into explana - tions, or to expect them—thjey are liable to open up the wound again. And then, in s week, the whole thing will be forgotten.

WOMEN AND SPEECHMAKING.

Much voice fatigue can be avoided during speech-making if attention is paid to these few small points: Do not speak too loudly. Concentrate on a very clear pronunciation of the words and do not talk too rapidly. In this way an ordinary conversational tone can usually be heard all ever quite a big building. Change the pitch of the voice occasionally. This alteration in the pitch of the voice may he so slight that it is hardly noticeable, vet it will be sufficient to give a relaxation which will prevent straining. A TONIC FOR THE VOICE. Jt the voice feels really tired, sip some cold water—a glass is generally provided at meetings. A few sips will probably have the effect of a tonic. Keep your temper. If you know your subject well you need not fear “ hecklers.” Do not let your sense of humour be dominated by an exaggerated idea of the importance of the views you are expounding. While you are waiting to make a

speech, try to concentrate on the business in hand ; —do not think too much about what you are going to say, how you are going to say it, and the im pression you are likely to create. Enthusiasm, assurance and a thor otigh knowledge of the subject on which you are speaking will carry you farther than brilliant eloquence that is merely, superficial.

HAND CULTURE

THE VICTORIAN GESTURE. The sartorial world lias made the leisurely Victorian gesture. With the return of full shirts autl baby sleeves, we shall have to tlo our best to recapture Victorian airs and graces; that • repose which marks the caste of Veto <ie Vere.” It behoves Eve to look closely, relentlessly, at her hands! Nearly all th<* old picture of crinolined beauties display the charm of rounded arms and tapering fingers, with a genius for hand-posing. Modern Eve has lost, that reposeful hand poise ; that gently curving wrist: that velvet whiteness. To recapture both the whiteness and the poise she must learn to treat her hands very gently, and with befitting seriousness. fcT.io must massage them at night from wrist to linger tip with a good hand cream. Hand and arm exercises should precede the donning of the indispensable old white gloves before retiring. She must wall; slowly up and down her room, preferably with, a book on her head, with her ha nets- -fingers outstretched and close logethei —hanging iimplv. ensile, bv her sides, to learn how to feel <piito at home witli empty hands. A hand, bag, an umbreila, a book these have

been saving graces, disposing of one hand and arm. at all events. Eve must accustom herself to their absence, and to conquer that mental attitude: ' 1 simply must carry something. Aly hands feel so awkward if they are empty!” The little nightly exercise, faithfully pursued, will soon attain her object; and strenfioue Eve M ill cultivate “ Victorian ” hands in keeping with her Victorian bodice. H. K. H.

WINTER HEALTH HINTS.

FOLLOW THEM AND KEEP FIT. Some people seem to think that it is part of the regulation winter programme to have colds and other ailments which are not nearly so common in the summer. But there is not the least reason why this should he so, the majority of people bringing thentroubles on themselves by not taking propel- care. It is a great mistake to sit over a fire in the daytime to keep warm. Much bettor take a brisk walk, which brings a healthy glow to the body and stimulates the circulation. There is no need to muffle up. Fresh air never hurt anyone. But, of course, you will not he silly enough to go out of doors from a hot room without putting on something extra. If you don't, you are simply asking for trouble. Don’t remove a heavy overcoat when i heated ; keep it on until you have cooled down a little. When you perspire the pores of the skin are open, rendering you more liable to catch cold. Woollen underclothing should be worn next the skin: it ’does not get cold and clammy as other •materials do after von hare perspired freely. PLENTY GF FRESH AIR. If you arc wo! 1 wrapped up, always choose the outside of a ’bus or tram in preference to the inside, where you may so easily, sit next to a person in the infectious stage of a cold. Footgear is aVi- important. Wet feet are responsible for more colds thorn anvthing else. See that vour boots or* shoes are icade of stout leather, ! with strong sole*; projecting beyond the j uppers. Change when damp, and if i yovir feci are wet, put them in hot j water with a tablespoonful of mustard j U With a waterproof coot and stout hoot- you ran safely dory the worst weather. Whether or not you carry an umbrella is lor you to decide, ft will eertainlv keep the rain off vour head and shoulders. Diet in the viutor should consist of a largo proportion of fab-forming; foods, such as porridge, bacon and butter. These help the bofev to resist the cold. The most important thing to remember is to have plenty of fresh air in your rooms. The window should be open at the t'v a 1 wavs, except when : there is a fog outside. Then, of course, the window should be closed.