The Girl Who Expects Too Much

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIX, Issue 21, 23 November 1907, Page 56

The Girl Who Expects Too Much

The habit of .expecting men to spend money on them keeps the girls from a good deal of attention that they might otherwise receive. Of course, when a man become interested in a girl he naturally expects to give her any little treats that he can afford; but when he finds out how much is expected of him he is frightened away. No man is pleased by the thought that a girl only likes him for- what he gives her. There is another side to it also. When you find a man of moderate .circumstances showering gifts on a girl you may be sure that he is improvident. A great many young men have to help with the home expenses, and all of them who are ambitious are trying to save a little money. When a man falls in love with you, wouldn’t you rather that he should save all he can, with a view to marrying soon, than fritter his money away on theatres, etc.’ Most girls consider an engagement ring absolutely necessary, and, if the man can afford it, it is nice to have this souvenir of the happiest hour of your life; but when you liove each other what difference does a trifle like a ring make? There are so many ways to be happy without spending' money when two people really care for each other. Tucked away in the depths of every girl's heart is the thought that some day she will marry the man of her choice and live happy ever after. There is nothing to be ashamed of in this—a woman's thoughts turn to love and marriage as naturally as a flower to the sun. In marrying a man it is not alone his Jove you accept ; you are in debt to him in most cases for your actual support. The only way in which you can repay this obligation is by making him a good Wife. The woman who is a good wife and

mother is filling the highest vocation that is granted to a woman. There is no career equal to it. We do best that which we are most naturally fitted for, and every true woman should be at her best when fulfilling the duties of wife and mother. The good' wife should be her husband’s comfort, strengthening him when he is weak, softening him when he is hard, walking proudly by him in success, giving him tenderest love and sympathy in adversity. She should spend his money wisely, remembering that every penny represents work and thought on his part. His good name shy should hold more precious than gold. Many a man has lost heart and courage simply because he could not keep pace, with the demands ; ef his wife. He loves her, and wants her to have as many pretty clothes and comforts as •she has been accustomed to, and that is the beginning of the trouble. Try to remember, girls, that if you wish to help your husbands to success you must be content with small beginnings. You can either be the guiding star and helpmate of a man’s life, or you can be a clog and drawback, dragging him to failure. So when you are building your castles in the air add a practical touch to your day-dreams by asking yourself, “How am I preparing myself for this happy dream, should it corno true? Am I training myself to fit this vocation properly, or am I just frittering away my time—an idle, butterfly, with no practical attainments?” If you want to make good wives you must know something about the practical side of life.