IN my opinion, women grow more beautiful as they age. I have known many girls who were ugly ducklings in their childhood but who grew up to become swans. Some others were clumsy goats who became graceful gazelles. Time adds a touch of beauty to women’s overall appearance and by the time they reach 40 or 50, they reach the peak of their beauty and maintain it for the rest of their lives.
Vogue magazine recently conducted a survey for the most beautiful woman in England. The topper was Isabella Rosellini, 48, with three children. The second was Joanna Lumley, 54, and also a mother. Third was Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas’ wife, and then such stars as Madonna, Nicole Kidman and Kate Winslet. As we can see, time does not dim a woman’s beauty as long as she takes care of herself.
The official spokeswoman for the survey said that the beauty of a woman was dependent on her confidence and the maintenance of her energy and elegance. My own opinion is that the secret of a woman’s beauty, especially after marriage, is dependent upon her awareness of the value of life, the value of her husband and her own value.
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THE following letter is sent by Leila Ismael who claims to be a regular reader of my column.
“You have written a number of articles about marriage and I would like to join in the discussion. I am 20 years old and a strong believer in marriage since it is seen as the beginning of real life, a sense of responsibility and generally a turning point. In fact, this is my main reason for being reluctant to marry. In addition, I am extremely romantic and I like a quiet house, conversations, exchanges of point of views in an atmosphere of intimacy and understanding. Moreover, I am addicted to reading and this is the only hobby that I allow nobody to interfere with. I like children but I hate that responsibility.
“I like going out for coffee with my friends. I do housekeeping but I hate cooking.
“I know it is not wise to stay single and my parents will not be around forever. However, one day I will reach the age when I would want a companion. But whenever I think of the things I love, I drop the idea of marriage.
“When reading your articles, I have to admit, they lead me to consider changing my mind so any advice you can offer will be appreciated.”
First of all, I hope that my articles were not the reason for your being reluctant to marry. You see, I am very much pro-marriage. Marriage is a duty that only a few escape and those for good reasons. People everywhere get married, all over the world, rich and poor, healthy and unhealthy, religious and non-religious. Marriage is a social demand and a human requirement and is, of course, liable to succeed or fail. I cannot see that you have a valid justification for being reluctant to marry. The difficulties that you mention are not insurmountable and can be easily overcome after marriage. I noticed you have not mentioned is the noblest and highest function of women — motherhood. And this is only attainable through marriage.
