"No modern woman with a grain of sense ever sends little notes to an unmarried man" - not until she is married, anyway. -- Arthur Binstead

In the midst of the vibrant and evolving society of the early 20th century, societal norms and expectations for women were as intricate as the intricate lacework on their fanciful hats. One such norm was encapsulated in the words of Arthur Binstead, who firmly asserted, "No modern woman with a grain of sense ever sends little notes to an unmarried man." This assertion, while possibly shocking to some, reflects a deeper understanding of the prescribed roles and relationships between men and women during this era.

Binstead's opinion was not merely a passing comment, but a reflection of the broader social climate. The idea of a proper and respectable woman maintaining correspondence with an unmarried man was seen as a transgression of the boundaries of decorum. This principle was not an isolated instance, but rather a part of a broader tapestry of societal expectations, woven together by traditional values and the desire for a certain level of propriety.

Women who did not adhere to these expectations were often shunned by their peers and seen as scandalous or immodest. The fear of suchsocial repercussions was enough to deter many from engaging in any form of correspondence with men outside of their family. But were these expectations fair and appropriate in an era when women were striving for greater independence and equality?

Fast-forward to the present day, and one can't help but wonder if Binstead would be just as shocked by the fluidity of modern relationships. In today's world, women are not only permitted but encouraged to communicate with men, regardless of their marital status. Conversations can take place over text, phone, email, or even social media, and the are often seen as casual and informal, a far cry from the formal, strictly chaperoned encounters of Binstead's time.

Modern women, armed with the freedom and confidence gained from decades of feminist movements, are no longer bound by the constricting norms that governed their grandmothers' generation. They are free to communicate and build relationships with men based on mutual respect and shared interests, rather than adhering to outdated rules and expectations.

However, this newfound freedom does not mean that all relationships remain free of complications. The internet and social media have blurred the lines between professional and personal interactions, and the boundaries that once existed between men and women are no longer as clear-cut as they once were. In some cases, these relationships can become complicated, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

But despite these complexities, the ability to communicate freely with anyone, regardless of their marital status, is a liberty that women today should cherish. The progress made by the feminist movement has given women the choice to break free from the confines of outdated social norms and form relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. And while the advice of Arthur Binstead may have been relevant in his time, it is a relic of the past that has no place in the dynamic, evolving world of the modern woman.