GIRLS SHOULD BE PRACTICAL

New Zealand Tablet, 1 June 1911, Page 1030

GIRLS SHOULD BE PRACTICAL

The girl who desires to make a good wife must know something of the practical side of life; and if she does not possess this knowledge she must learn. Leave love ami romance out of your reckoning altogether. It may cover a good many faults and help you over some stiles" at the beginning of your married life; but, after the first glamor has worn off, then the real trials will begin. Only the practical girl will surmount these trials. She it is who will be able to, make the home bright and happy when a curtailed income necessitates economy; who will be able to help her husband as well as console him when troubles arise, and who will prove the most successful mother by knowing exactly how to manage her children. Every girl who is looking forward to marriage, should ask herself this question; ‘Am I training myself for the duties of a wife?’ It is no good frittering away your time in making the best of .your appearance if you do not improve your mind. Men of to-day do not want to marry dolls; they want a wife who can cook, sew, and run a house; not a drawingroom ornament. You can either be the guiding star and helpmate of a man’s life, or you can be a clog and a hindrance, dragging him to failure. So, when you are building your castles in the air, add a practical touch to your day-dreams by asking yourselves: ‘How am I preparing myself for this happy dream, should it come true? Am I training myself to fit this vocation properly?’ The good wife should be her husband’s comfort, strengthening him when he is weak, walking proudly with him to success, giving him tenderest love and sympathy in adversity. She must be able to spend his money wisely, remembering that every penny rerpesents work and thought on his part.