From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 003 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Essay
Summary: This essay explores the criteria for choosing an ideal husband, focusing on qualities such as wealth, education, temperament, and age. The author humorously reflects on personal experiences and societal expectations.

In Search of the Ideal Husband
(Original Title: 尋找理想丈夫)
When choosing a husband, many excellent women end up marrying someone not quite ideal. Two main reasons exist: one is the man’s wealth, and the other is ignorance of his true character. In my happiness post-marriage, I believe that selecting an ideal husband is crucial. My criteria include compatibility, asking, ‘Does he match my standards?’ Is his character admirable? Can he provide for us? Physically, how does he appear? But it’s also important to consider oneself. One must also have the capacity to be equally matched. Often, by not being selective, we end up settling for less. Thus, I proudly introduce what constitutes the promising traits of a gentleman, such as education, family background, temperament, and age. After detailed evaluation, I hope my reflections serve as useful advice for sisters in choosing their husbands.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent