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To: All female readers, especially single women of the early nineteenth century.
From: A helpful friend
Date: June 17, 1820
Subject: Hints for the Ladies

If you want to get married, then you must not fall into the patterns of the coquette.  What are these patterns you might ask?  Do not be in love with yourself.  Do not like the chase of courtship.  Do not have the idea of conquest in your head.  Do not want more than you already have.  Do not be hard to please.

So, now that you know what not to do, rest easy, because this author has your best interest in heart.  You should not be "doomed to eternal celibacy." Rather, pay close attention for there is another reason why you are not married.  You are just too expensive!  Remember, the children will take a considerable amount of the income, so your extravagant wants - especially in the way you dress - must take a backseat to "the expenses of our children."  I hope you know that children - yes, "half a dozen brats at our fire sides" - are expected.

But, do not fear!  Now that you know what not to do, here are some helpful hints that should make it much easier to find a husband.

1) Have a good humor.
2) Have a pleasing face.
3) Practice good economy.
4) Practice simplicity in heart and mind.
5) Study housekeeping.
6) Minimal your study on attire.
7) Read the Spectator.

This advice guarantees better luck in finding a mate; however, after you do all of this work, I will leave you with an encouraging note: "I must confess, that for most of them [men], I have very little mercy."  Good luck!

"Hints for the Ladies." The Ladies' Literary Cabinet, Being a Repository of Miscellaneous Literary Productions, Both in Original and Selected Prose and Verse (1819-1922) 2.6 (17 June 1820): 45. Web. 12 Sept. 2011.