Sometimes I have a notion that what might improve the situation is to have women take over the occupations of government and trade and to give men their freedom.

Gossip isn't scandal and it's not merely malicious. It's chatter about the human race by lovers of the same.

The thing to remember about fathers is, they're men. A girl has to keep it in mind: They are dragon seekers, bent on improbable rescues. Scratch any father, you find someone chock - full of qualms and romantic terrors, believing change is a threat - like your first shoes with heels on, like your first bicycle I took such months to get.

Aunts are discreet, a little shy / By instinct. They forbear to pry.

Shunning the upstart shower, / The cold and cursory scrub, / I celebrate the power / That lies within the Tub.

Wherever conversation's flowing, / Why must I feel it falls on me / To keep things going?

Praise is warming and desirable. But it is an earned thing. It has to be deserved, like a hug from a child.