A pre-nuptial note

Would you write a note to your soon-to-be spouse? I think it's an incredibly romantic gesture when it's shared privately between just the two of you. Amelia Earhart wrote an honest and resolute letter to her beau the morning of their wedding! I wonder what the bridegroom thought after reading this letter. Would it make you more nervous or closer to your partner to read a surprise letter before walking down the aisle?

Dear GPP

There are some things which should be writ before we are married — things we have talked over before — most of them.

You must know again my reluctance to marry, my feeling that I shatter thereby chances in work which means most to me. I feel the move just now as foolish as anything I could do. I know there may be compensations but have no heart to look ahead.

On our life together I want you to understand I shall not hold you to any midaevil code of faithfulness to me nor shall I consider myself bound to you similarly. If we can be honest I think the difficulties which arise may best be avoided should you or I become interested deeply (or in passing) in anyone else.

Please let us not interfere with the others’ work or play, nor let the world see our private joys or disagreements. In this connection I may have to keep some place where I can go to be myself, now and then, for I cannot guarantee to endure at all times the confinements of even an attractive cage.

I must exact a cruel promise and that is you will let me go in a year if we find no happiness together.

I will try to do my best in every way and give you that part of me you know and seem to want.

A.E.

This and more of Amelia's letters in this book. Photo from All Things Mesmerizing.