Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1912 — Callow and Spoony Young Men [ARTICLE]

Callow and Spoony Young Men

By M. S. BOYDSTON

Masses of cheap books picture love as a whirlwind of passion, moral or immoral. The noblest examples of love in real life show constancy, unselfishness, self-sacrifice. Such a love is the development of high ideals that uplift and purify the human heart. By association two lives are made beautiful in one. The world is flooded with false ideas and the young read the thrilling story, are impressed, and before they are out of kilts they are enacting the first chapters of the sensational novel. The schoolgirl reads,

dreams and begins courtship before she ift fitted by education and experience to discern the true from the false. The results too often are a wrecked life or unhappy marriage. The well balanced, self-respecting young people who hold to a high standard of conduct are called prudish and old fashioned. As one young woman indignantly expressed it: “We are relegated to the wall if wo refuse to permit our young man callers to embrace and caress us, or sit up late along with them. They call on girls who give them all the freedom of lovers, without any engagement or intention of marriage.”' This, she said, is the unwritten code among the majority and it disgusts me with young men. It kills the social spirit and entertaining in the home, for the callow youth does not sigh for the family presence and the girl cares only to be alone with him for his caresses. ' Every boarding house keeper has her nerves rasped by these spooners, who hold out till one o’clock. Reserve and less cheapening of jove would result in happier marriages and fewer ending in the divorce court. There is no surer way to congenial unions than the association of young people in sensible friendships that bar out familiarities. To bring out the best in another you must be looking high yourself. Wit, tact, talent and sound sense are to be desired above caresses and kisses.