Charm for Young Women
by Anne Culkin
Dues Books, Paulist Press, NY
© 1963 by the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle in the State of New York
The Written Word
How often we hear it said that the art of letter writing is a forgotten art. It seems ironic to think that the fast-moving world in which we live is responsible for the loss, for if ever there was a world of people who had need for letters indicative of thoughtfulness love, appreciation and remembrance, it is our world.
The young person who says, I hate to write letters, should change her thinking, and while still young, should cultivate a liking for what means a great deal to many people, particularly the elderly.
Letters are nothing more than thoughts in writing. And the written thought has a greater permanency than does the one that is spoken. We represent ourselves to others the moment our letter is received and this same letter can continue to represent us ten, twenty years hence if it is not destroyed. This gives to us reason enough, therefore, to want to present ourselves in a favorable light when we write a letter.
Personal Letters
Stationary without too many flowers and frills is recommended. Crossed-out words, ink blots, scribbled, difficult-to-read writing (type is acceptable denotes a carelessness that is not flattering to you. The personal letter should read much the same as you speak. Never, however, should it be written in anger. Appropriate closings to close friends are affectionately, love, cordially; to acquaintances and persons in business, sincerely yours; to the clergy and religious respectfully.
Love Letters
The love letter can be warm, reassuring without being the kind of letter that, for some reason later on, you want back more than anything in the world. THINK before you write anything in that letter so that others, to whom the letter was never addressed, may not THINK less of you if they read it. When writing to a boy's home, we do not insult members of his family by writing personal on the envelope. If a boy's love is mature, he will readily understand your not writing all the wonderful things that you are thinking about him.
Note Writing in School... School Excuse
Few things you do in a school identify you as juvenile more than the writing of notes to classmates concerning anything of a personal nature. The passing of notes across an aisle or sending them to class with another not only annoys teachers, but also marks you as a frivolous person. The necessary and therefore excused, note that must be written and sent to a class with another, is the one that says you have changed your plans and you will not be able to ride home with Mary.
All students should be aware of the reaction of teachers to the poorly written, soiled excuse penned on a scrap of paper. If they did, they would make it a point to see that their parents would not show themselves to their teachers as unrefined people.
Greeting Cards
It is a big business. We should never make it bigger by sending a card that questions our taste or sense of humor. The card that insults in its attempt to amuse is strictly not for you to send to another, regardless of how well you think she understands you.
