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For the Girls

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 1, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 13.

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For the Girls.

Not long ago a little pamphlet was published, under the title of "Don't," in which girls are told what not to do. Some writer now furnishes the following advice in a positive form:—
Do be natural; a poor diamond is better than a good imitation.
Do try to be accurate, not only for your own sake, but for the sake of your sex; the incapacity of the female mind for accuracy is a standard argument against the equality of the sexes.
Do be exact in money matters; every debt you incur means loss to some one, probably to some less able than you to bear it.
Do answer your letters soon after they are received, and do try to reply to them with some relation to their contents; a rambling, ill-considered letter is a satire upon your education.
Do, when you talk, keep your hands still.
Do observe; the faculty of observation, well cultivated, makes practical men and women.
Do attach as much importance to your mind as to your body.
Do recollect that your health is more important than your amusement; you can live without one, but you'll die without the other.
Do try to be sensible; it is not a particular sign of superiority to talk like a fool.
Do put your hair-pins in so that they will stay; it looks slovenly, to say the least, to see them half dropping out.
Do be ready in time for church; if you do not respect yourself sufficiently to be punctual, respect the feelings of other people.
Do get up in time for breakfast.
Do avoid causes of irritation in your family circle; do reflect that home is the place in which to be agreeable.
Do be reticent; the world at large has no interest in your private affairs.
Do cultivate the habit of listening to others; it will make you an invaluable member of society, to say nothing of the advantage it will be to you when you marry; every man likes to talk about himself; a good listener makes a delightful wife.
Do be contented; "martyrs" are detestable; a cheerful, happy spirit is infectious; you can carry it about with you like a sunny atmosphere.
Do avoid whispering; it is as bad as giggling; both are to be condemned; there is no excuse for either one of them; if you have anything to say, say it, if you have not, do hold your tongue altogether; silence is golden.
Do be truthful; do avoid exaggeration; if you mean a mile, say a mile, and not a mile and a half; if you mean one, say one, and not a dozen.
Do, sometimes at least, allow your mother to know better than you do; she was educated before you were born.
Do sign your full name to your letters.—Sel.