I know men liked me for my good looks and sweetness and I thought I should go out with everyone of them so as not to disappoint them. That was when I was in my late teens. What a laugh! Oh, they brought me gifts and things but they didn't mean anything to me. I wish I had been clever and not so dumb. I COULD have married an AF lieutenant, an engineer, a rich guy in Texas, oh, I could go on but, that wasn't in the stars for me.

One guy bought an engagement ring for me and I wore it, never thinking a thing about marrying the guy. When he asked for it back, it didn't matter to me and apparently, it didn't to him, for he had found another.

Another guy sent me up to a very exclusive shop when I was twenty one for the lady there to fit me with some very expensive dresses. I thought nothing of that. But, my mother did. She found out the guy was married and put a stop to him. Actually, there was nothing to the 'affair' as my best friend always accompanied us on our dates. But, mother knew I couldn't afford those dresses on my salary and she was furious. The fact was, that I wasn't even serious with that man. But, if I had been clever, see, I would have snuck around to see him and maybe copped a couple of more rags and told my mother they belonged to my friend. See how dumb I am?

A clever woman will play her cards right and get most everything she wants. I was not one of those. I had no idea of marrying anyone. I think the best thing for me to have done would be join the military. Here I am at sixty-nine and I still don't know how to get what I want because I am not clever.

My son brings me what I need because I don't drive. I live with him and his wife and my grandchildren, who are my delight.

Anyway, I look at all the clever women out there, ordering their husbands around and I just wish I had had some of that in me.

As it was, I was expected to work, take care of the children, the house and I never had time for myself until after we got a divorce. Now, I make time for myself, although I still like to wait on the children.

Yes, I was good-looking and have been hit on lately, by a couple of fortiesh men and laughed it off, however flattered I was.

Learn more about this author, E. V. SHAW.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Choosing between being clever or being good-looking?
We want to hear your view. Write now!