Emily Brontë | Wuthering Heights | 1847

Dear Cathy,

Please stop lusting after your cousins. First, ewww. Second, hasn't anyone explained inbreeding to you (I would think this would be of particular concern to you considering the family tendency towards madness)? And third, you can do better. Trust me, those cousins of yours? They're no catch. Especially that peevish whiner, Linton. Temper tantrums just aren't that attractive in a man.

You're young--get out and date the neighborhood boys. There's got to be someone in Gimmerton that would strike your fancy. Or, have a fling with the groomsman. Better yet, go to the big city.

You have options. Explore them.

Sincerely,
Jill Powers