Age-old advice: Ruined woman learned from wrong kind of men

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By George Antheil, originally published Feb. 12, 1938

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/11/2019 (2503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

By George Antheil, originally published Feb. 12, 1938

 

Dear Mr. Antheil: Your articles and advice to girls are very amusing to me. But you write what a man expects of a girl. Supposing the women and girls tell you want we expect of the men?

I ought to know. I married a man and he started me down the road to ruin. I have had plenty of experience with men in the past 16 years. I could tell you something you don’t know nor would want to know about the male sex. Any time you want me to be of service in discussing the subject of men, get in touch with me.

Now, I am trying to make a comeback to where I was 16 years ago. Believe me, it is a hard path to go.

With so many people out of work and the country in turmoil, it looks like I am in for a lot of heartaches. But my mind is made up and nothing is going to stand in my way. I feel my experiences with the male sex will be a blessing in disguise. Someday, I am going to be looked up to instead of down on. Then, I hope I may advise the younger generation not to make the mistakes I made.

— LaVerne

 

Answer: Your knowledge of men has been limited to the wrong kind, which you will find out when you follow the new path. Just as there are women whom men respect, there are men who earn the same respect. On the other side are the other kind, which you have been unfortunate enough to know.

It would be natural for men to show you the worst in them in the old days. They did not know of the tiny spark of rebellion down in your heart that was all but smothered. They took you at your own value. You will soon learn that you can raise that value so high they will reach up for it, not bend down to the old low value. But be careful that you don’t let the times, your difficulties or heartache build up excuses why you should not go on.

 

Read other letters from our archives at wfp.to/ageoldadvice.

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