Dear Dorothy Dix: I know you’ve encountered similar situations countless times but please try to help me.
Some time ago I met a friend with whom I had lost touch. He is a widower and, after we had resumed our friendship, he said he’d like to marry me but wouldn’t be ready for another year as he had some responsibilities to take care of.
We settled down to steady dating, including several weekends together. I felt completely in love with him and was sure he felt, the same abaut me. Soon I noticed a change in him. He became critical of me even to the extent of saying I was too easy.
He went to another city on business; stayed several weeks, and came back – married to another woman. I realize how foolish I was but cannot regain my peace of mind. Can you give me any word to help me get back my faith in human nature?
— Marylin
Dear Marylin: Put your faith in God and church instead of in ‘man’ and columnists. Take your troubles to your clergyman who will show you the way back to things you can believe in.
Nothing is as empty as the promises of a man who wants love without responsibilities. That’s the most expensive kind of love for you but it’s quite worthless to him.
You’ve learned your lesson, now stop thinking in terms of “human love” and try “divine love.” It pays off.
Dear Dorothy Dix: During the Christmas holidays I met a boy who said he liked me very much. I haven’t seen or heard from him since. If we should meet accidentally, should 1 speak to him, or ignore Him?
— Fran
Dear Fran: Speak to him, of course. Act pleased to see him, show that you’re very glad to meet him again, and hope you’ll see him around.
Ignoring him, or anybody else, is a very childish thing to do. You’re growing up, remember?
Dear Dorothy Dix: What actually is wrong with going steady, even for one somewhat under-age? Most girls do it as a kind of hobby. I see nothing wrong in it. I’m not going steady and not allowed to.
- Carole
Dear Carole: “Going steady” still carries overtones of a serious and permanent relationship. Actually this is no longer true but parents worry about it.
When girls go steady, for one week, a month or even two, “going steady” is quite harmless. However, it is still better, for young people to gather in groups rather in pairs.
Group dating is much better for emotional and social growth and is to be preferred, over steady dating – no matter how fleeting the latter, may be.
It’s better to know many boys, than to concentrate on one. Be different! Stick up for playing the field.
Send your problem to Dorothy Dix. Be sure to enclose a stamped, self – addressed envelope, and address her in care of The Daily Review.
From The Daily Review. Hayward, California. April 27, 1959.
