—Geronta, the girl who said to you that she is considering Monasticism told me that a boy from class asked why she won’t go out to the movies or out on dates with boys. What should she have answered?
—She should have said: “Not even my brother has ever asked me such questions, and now you are?”
—A few days later the boy found her outside of school—she hadn’t seen him—and he went to take her arm. She only said “hello” and immediately went inside.
—No, that’s not good! In such a position she should have reacted, because as things went, she may have given him the impression that she is fine with this show of affection and now he’ll do it again. The age she’s at now is a little difficult and its not good for her to keep company with boys. It is not even necessary for her to speak with them, unless perhaps they need help. If she decides to get married, when she meets a nice guy, she should tell her parents about it. They will evaluate whether the right prerequisites for starting a good family are there. For now, as she still hasn’t decided which life she will follow, speaking with boys won’t help; she’ll just get dizzy for nothing and loose her peace. Those kids who do such things are extremely miserable souls, flighty and constantly troubled; they have no peace. Their face and eyes are wild. Read more →
A Good Start to Family Life
Geronta, a certain young man who has chosen the married life asked me how one properly begins this.
—From the beginning, he should seek to find a good girl who will comfort him, as people are relaxed and find comfort differently with different people. He should not seek to find someone who is rich or beautiful, but above all simple and humble. In other words, he should give more attention to interior rather than exterior beauty. When a girl is a positive person and capable of dealing with men, without having more womanly character than is necessary, this greatly helps the man to find immediate understanding and not a lot of headaches. If she also has fear of God and humility then they are able to join hands and pass the evil current of the world. Read more →