On the Shelf

Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 1:25 pm Post subject: On the Shelf

Just wondering, what sort of scandal would make a woman 'on the shelf'???? Would stuff like theft enough (indeed, would that even be a scandal????) Is there any scandal big enough to make a family turn thire backs on their daughter and throw her out???? Also, could man be so embroiled in a scandal that he is thought not marriage material, or even acceptable Society???? Thanks!!!!! (in advance daumen rauf

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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 8:26 pm Post subject:

"On the shelf" generally means too old to be marriageable, and has nothing to do with scandal. A scandal could make an otherwise eligible young woman (eg young enough, rich enough, pretty enough) completely unsuitable for marriage. Some sort of sexual scandal, especially an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, could cause a family to send the daughter far away, both to have the child and to keep her out of the public eye. Some families might even toss her out on her ear to survive however she can. That's where a good stroyteller comes in. Create the most appropriate family situation to serve your plot.

As for scandal and men ... sadly, they can pretty much get away with anything and still be considered eligible. A bit of scandal can even enhance their attractiveness to certain women. Depending on the level of scandal, they might not be welcome at every event, especially where the hostess is a high stickler. But for the most part, men can weather a scandal much more easily than women. If only THEY could get pregnant ... Wink

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