Advice for the Month

Guard your reputation, Madam, for a woman’s reputation is more precious than her fortune and her learning.

The woman who loses her fortune loses nothing.

The one who loses her health loses but a small thing.

But she who has lost her reputation has lost everything... even honor.

• Have an opinion of your own in the things that concern you: in the rearing of your child, in marital problems, and in the household budget. But beware of clinging stubbornly to your opinion, and of digging in your heels when you know you are in the wrong.

• Do not argue violently with your husband, even in the matters you know better than he does...

Try to persuade him by the gentler way; and if he insists on his opinion, the days will teach him that he was wrong.

• Beware of raising your voice in his face, for a woman loses the loveliest thing in her if she loses her softness and her delicacy. Far better for you to remain wronged of your right than to let your temper turn harsh — for then you would have thrown away your most precious quality...