of peace and happiness cannot
be expected to attend it.

However, love is not a principle which is brought into existence as it
were by magic. It must always be exercised in view of an object. Do not,
therefore, hastily decide that you cannot love a man who possesses the
prominent traits of character necessary to render you happy. However, be
fully satisfied that such a sentiment of a permanent character, does
really exist in your own bosom, before you consent to a union.

In your ordinary intercourse with gentlemen, much caution should be
observed. Always maintain a dignity of character, and never condescend
to trifle. In your conversation, however, upon general subjects, you
may exercise the same sociability and freedom which you would with
ladies; not seeming to be sensible of any difference of sex. Indignantly
repel any improper liberties; but never decline attentions which are
considered as belonging to the rules of common politeness, unless there
should be something in the character of the individual which would
justify you in wishing wholly to avoid his society. Some men are so
disagreeable in their attentions, and so obtrusive of their company,
that they become a great annoyance to ladies. I think the latter
justifiable in refusing the attentions of such men, till they learn
better manners. Pay the strictest regard to propriety and delicacy, in
all your conduct; yet do not maintain such a cold reserve and chilling
distance, as to produce the impression in the mind of every one you
meet, that you dislike his society. No gentleman of refined and delicate
feelings, will intrude his company upon ladies, when he thinks it is not
desired; and you may create this impression, by carrying the rules of
propriety to the extreme of reserve. But the contrary extreme, of
manifesting an excessive fondness for the society of gentlemen, is still
more to be avoided. By cultivating an acute sense of propriety in all
things, with a nice discrimination of judgment, you will be able
generally to direct your conduct aright in these matters.

Never indulge feelings of partiality for any man until he has distinctly
avowed his own sentiments, and you have deliberately determined the
several points already mentioned. If you do you may subject yourself to
much needless disquietude, and perhaps the most unpleasant
disappointments. And the wounded feeling thus produced, may have an
injurious effect upon your subsequent character and happin