by Mary Lou Dilworth
Dear Mary Lou,
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I am a grade nine student, 15 years old; my physical stature being quite frail limits me to a very small choice of girls. For the past month I have been going out quite steady with an eleventh grade girl, a little bigger than myself. I am fond of her, in spite of the way she treats me at times. An example of this - coming home from a dance about two weeks ago, we had a little argument over a minor incident, and she lost her temper and struck me. She apologized later as she had done on previous occasions. I hope you understand, Mary Lou, that in spite of her quick temper, I still care for her very much, and would still like to have her for my girl. |
P.B:
Perhaps your choice is wrong. You're at a disadvantage, if you're dating a girl who is older than you are, and "a little bigger" as well! It's sometimes hard for a girl in this position to respect you as much as she should - and so, losing her temper is something she feels justified in doing whenever she feels like it. However, if, in spite of these disadvantages, you still feel you want her to be "your girl," then you'd better talk this temper problem over with her and get it ironed out. Explain to her how unreasonable it is. If you both try to know and understand each other better, this "blowing off steam" and hurt feelings probably won't occur.
Dear Mary Lou,
I'm eighteen years old and in my last year of school. I've been going steady with this boy for half a year and I like him very much. He also likes me very much, and we are planning to get married in a year's time. That is all right BUT - my mother and father think that I'm too young to be going steady. They know nothing of our intentions because I have not told them as already they are trying to break us up. There is nothing wrong with this boy but my parents don't think he's good enough for me. But I think he is a very nice fellow. I would appreciate any advice you can give meÉ. Whether I should break off with him OR tell my parents of our intentions OR what?
- Confused.
If your parents don't like the boy, it's for a reason! Obviously, if your intentions are serious, you shouldn't break off with him. And, since your parents feel the way they do, telling them of your plans would be disastrous! I think the best move you can make is to plan a campaign to "sell" your family on the fellow. When he sees your parents, is he always polite and considerate? Does he dress neatly? Does he take a personal interest in them and spend a few minutes talking to them, or does he just ramble on about be-bop? These things, and many more, add up to make the impression your family has of this boy. Check them over, and see how he stands. If you want to reverse your parents' opinion, you'll have to make sure that he stacks up favourably in all respects everytime they meet!
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