“Weakness may excite tenderness, and gratify the arrogant pride of man; but the lordly caresses of a protector will not gratify a noble mind that pants for and deserves to be respected.”

I saw daughters in my school bow their heads when they were strong enough to stand tall, fearing that vigor would repel the men they sought. A girl learns early that if she appears too capable, she loses her place as an ornament rather than a companion. She is taught to feign illness or frailty because society rewards this artifice with attention, yet such behavior betrays a spirit that should be free and vigorous.

I ask you to reject the notion that your value lies in how little you can endure. Do not train yourself to need protection, for no amount of flattery from a master can build a friendship between equals. Seek instead a partner who respects your mind and strength, knowing that true affection springs only from mutual dignity and shared purpose.