Have the courage to show that you like goodness.  It makes a difference, for no one ever tells an unkind story to a large-hearted woman, or a nasty story to a nice-minded woman.

If they tell either to you, it means an intuitive perception that you enjoy it,—­you bring out that side of them; if there is no response in you, that side of them goes to sleep while they are with you.  You create your world in your own image, and are responsible for what is said to you, as well as for what you say.

II.—­My second advice is:  Show your mother that you love her. “In one’s whole life one can never have more than a single mother.  You may think this obvious....  You are a green gosling!  I was at the same age as wise as you, and yet never discovered this till it was too late."[3]

Your mother will plan for you to go out and enjoy yourselves, and she probably will not say that she is left alone by this or that arrangement; but you must think for her and protest against it, and see that she gets amusement, and is talked to.

I know girls who will leave their mother alone night after night, or sit at home and never utter a word. They do not think of it, and she feels left out.  Even if she makes you go out, she will like your noticing and thinking for her.  I believe each daughter fails to realize in her own case how much her mother values signs of the love which both know to be there.

You may say, “My mother does not like a fuss!”—­Very likely.  But there are ways and ways.—­I do not believe any older person is ever anything but pleased when their little pleasures are seen to be a matter of real consideration to a younger one.  I have watched so many mothers now that I see it, but I myself used to let my affection be taken for granted.  I see now how much more pleasure I might have given, and I would give anything if you would do what they say is impossible—­i.e. profit by some one else’s experience, and try to show your affection for your mother.  She is the only person to whom it is safe to fully express your affection.  If you feel strongly for any one else, expressing it is apt to lead you to be silly, or sentimental, or wanting in self-control, but little loving ways with your mother are quite different—­they are always comforting to her and good for you.  Every one of an older generation is apt to feel that the younger one does not want them; therefore express your affection doubly to an elder compared to what is necessary or right, or wise to an equal, because by nature the elder does not quite believe in it!

I dare say you are nevertheless thinking as I used to do.  “One’s mother is quite different—­she knows I love her best.”  In a way that is true, but all I have said is true too!

III.—­My third advice is:  Put some salt into every day—­the salt of effort and self-denial.  Go on with a book though it bores you.  Go out for a walk though you feel lazy.  Finish some drawing or needlework, which you would rather leave to begin something else.  Make yourself do something which you do not like, and which is useful.