Dear daughter,
You are a wonderful person and your mother and I think the world of you. It will not be long before you leave home to make your way in the world. Can I please give you some friendly advice? Here are some things that you should never do.
1. Never Despise Yourself.
You are great and capable of achieving great things so believe in yourself. When things go badly never stop believing. Some girls get depressed, blame themselves and lose self-esteem. All sorts of problems can follow.
2. Never Get Obsessed with your Appearance.
We think you look great (though some of the outfits you wear worry us!). Please be happy with the person you are and the body you have. Eat sensibly, take exercise and be healthy. Some girls become obsessed with losing weight or getting the perfect shape. You look fine.
3. Never Live Beyond Your Means.
Throughout life try to keep your spending within your income and so save a little. Avoid getting into debt if possible. There are some exceptions - like getting a mortgage to buy a house - but generally if you can live within your means you will avoid all sorts of problems.
4. Never Compromise Your Personal Safety.
Never put yourself at serious risk. This means that you cannot trust people until you really know them and that sometimes you have to avoid things that look like they might be fun. Never get drunk or take drugs. Unfortunately there are some malevolent people out there and it is best not to take undue risks.
5. Never Get Involved with a Married Man.
There are plenty of great single men out there. Don’t get entangled with a married man no matter how attractive he is - it will end in your tears.
6. Never Give Less Than Your Best.
We are very proud of what you have accomplished so far. You should be proud too. Keep doing well. Keep trying your hardest at everything you do. No one can ask for more than that.
7. Never Forget that Your Parents Love You.
Whatever happens in life, your family will still be your family. Whatever difficulties you encounter you can always talk to us and we will try to help. We are here for you.
Paul Sloane is an author and speaker on leadership, innovation and lateral thinking. His most recent book is The Innovative Leader. He helps organizations improve innovation, creativity and leadership. He is the founder of Destination Innovation. He has written 15 books of lateral thinking puzzles and hosts the lateral puzzles forum.
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译文:
对妙龄女儿的建议——你绝不应该做的事
给妙龄女儿的信
亲爱的女儿：
你很出色，我和你母亲把你视为掌上明珠。不久你就要离开这个家去外面的世界闯荡。我能否给你提些友善的建议呢？这里有些事情是你绝对不应该做的。
1. 绝对不要轻视你自己。
你很出色，也很能干，也请你自己这么相信。当事情变得一团糟时，也绝对不要放弃这个信念。有些女孩会感到沮丧，责备自己，失去自尊。所有的问题都会随之而来。
2. 绝对不要被你的外貌所困扰。
我们觉得你看上去很漂亮（虽然你的一些穿着让我们有些困扰）。请高高兴兴地做你自己，喜爱你自己的身体。适度地饮食，做做体育锻炼，常保健康。有些女孩被减肥或是变得更漂亮的想法而困扰着。但你看上去就很不错。
3. 绝对不要让生活超越你的能力。
在生活中要尽量保持收支平衡，最好能存点钱。如果可能的话，避免欠债。除了一些额外的开支，比如买房子的抵押贷款，通常情况下如果你能生活在你的收入范围之内，你就能避免各种麻烦。
4. 绝对不要使你的个人安全受到危害。
绝对不要把你自己置于危险的处境。这意味着你不能相信别人，除非你真正了解这些人。这也意味着有时候你还要避免那些看上去会很有乐趣的事情。绝对不要喝醉或者吸毒。不幸的是在外面的世界里有一些恶毒的人，最好不要过分去冒险招惹他们。
5. 绝对不要和已婚男人扯上关系。
外面的世界里有足够多优秀的单身男士。无论一个已婚男士是多么迷人，不要和他发生感情纠葛，结局只会是你以泪洗面。
6. 绝对不要不尽全力做事。
我们为你迄今为止所取得的成就感到自豪。你也应该以此为荣。继续保持这好成绩。继续尽全力去做好每件事。没有人能比这要求得更多。
7. 绝对不要忘了你的父母永远爱你。
无论生活中发生了什么事，你的家还是你的家。无论你遇到了什么困难，你都可以向我们倾诉，我们会尽力帮你。我们的大门永远向你敞开。
Paul Sloane 是致力于领导力，创新力和水平思考的作家兼演讲家。他最新的一本书是 《创新的领导者》。他帮助机构组织提升创新力，创造力和领导力。他是 《终点创新》的创始人。他写了15本关于水平思考困惑的书，举办了水平困惑论坛。
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