My darling daughter,
I’m sure you’re wondering what I’ll be writing to you this week, and, perhaps, from the title of this letter, you’ll have an inkling.
You know what darling, it really just dawned on me that you are now a grown young woman, charting a life of your own. I also know that you’ve been courting a young man for a while now and I’ve studied you both. I’ve watched as you’ve gone from expressing love to one another one day, to having difficulties the next day. This makes me smile because it isn’t unique to you alone; it is life.
Other times, I’ve seen you express to your mom your disapproval of certain abysmal characteristics you think he possesses, but my dear, don’t you know by now that those who are in love need a mountain of patience to bear with each other?
I have never told you this, but neither you, nor your mother, nor I, nor your partner, nor any other person in this world is a perfect human being. We all have our flaws, our strengths and our weaknesses. If our strengths outweigh our weaknesses, then, don’t you think that’s a fair balance?
In a relationship, you should be more concerned about how (and if) you can cope with your partner’s faults.
I know that you are contemplating marriage to this young man and trying to decide if you can cope with his shortcomings. To help you arrive at a decision, ask yourself this: Can he bear with your own shortcomings?
When all is said and done, if he loves you; is faithful, loyal, caring, and truthful; has a means of livelihood; does not abuse you physically or emotionally and you can reciprocate these towards him, I think you stand a good chance to live happily ever after.
Bear in mind, my dear, in life, and especially in marriage, things don’t have to be perfect to be perfect.
Love you always,
Dad