It's been a while since I've posted. And a longer while since I'm
posted something sweet, and romantic and true. I happen to love Letters
Of Note, a fantastic site that showcases correspondence. Some of it
wise, some of it funny. I happen to be partial to a Marilyn Monroe letter
myself. (Those of you who know me may recognize it from one of my
facebook profile pictures.)
Well, when perusing the site recently, I came across this letter. It's beautiful, and I hope you enjoy it too.
Happy weekend all.
New York
November 10, 1958
Dear Thom:
We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.
First—if you are in love—that’s a good thing—that’s about the best thing
that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to
you.
Second—There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean,
grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is
the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything
good in you—of kindness and consideration and respect—not only the
social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition
of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you
sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and
courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had.
You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply—of course it isn’t puppy love.
But I don’t think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than
anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it—and
that I can tell you.
Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.
The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.
If you love someone—there is no possible harm in saying so—only you must
remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must
take that shyness into consideration.
Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.
It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason
or another—but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.
Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I’m glad you have it.
We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will
make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be
very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more
help than I can.
And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens—The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.
Love,
Fa
