My dear daughter: You are a wonderful person and your mother and I think the world of you. It will not be long before you leave home to make your way in the world. Can I please give you some friendly advice? Here are some things that you should never do.

亲爱的女儿：Dear daughter，你是了不起的人，我和妈妈非常爱你。你离开家走上社会的日子不远了。我可以给你一些善意的建议吗？这是几个你绝不能做的事情。

1. Never Get Obsessed with your Appearance.

1. 绝不要为自己的外貌而烦恼。

We think you look great (though some of the outfits you wear worry us!). Please be happy with the person you are and the body you have. Eat sensibly, take exercise and be healthy. Some girls become obsessed with losing weight or getting the perfect shape. You look fine.

我们认为你长得很美（尽管你穿的某些时装令我们担忧！）。你就是你，不要为自己的外貌烦恼。要合理膳食，多做运动，保持健康。有些女孩子为减肥或塑造完美的身材而烦恼。但你已经很好了。

2. Never Get Involved with a Married Man.

2. 绝不要和已婚男人纠缠不清。

There are plenty of great single men out there. Don't get entangled with a married man no matter how attractive he is—it will end in your tears.

外面有许多优秀的单身男人。不要和已婚男人搅在一起，不管他多么有魅力——不然你就等着以泪洗面吧。

3. Never Compromise Your Personal Safety.

3. 绝不要危及个人安全。

Never put yourself at serious risk. This means that you cannot trust people until you really know them and that sometimes you have to avoid things that look like they might be fun. Never get drunk or take drugs. Unfortunately there are some malevolent people out there and it is best not to take undue risks.

绝不要让自己处于危险的境地。就是说，不要相信还不真正了解的人，有时还要回避看似有趣的活动。绝不要酗酒或吸毒。不幸的是，这个社会总还是有不好的人，所以最好不要过度冒险。

4. Never Live Beyond Your Means.

4. 生活费用绝不要超支。

Throughout life try to keep your spending within your income and so save a little. Avoid getting into debt if possible. There are some exceptions—like getting a mortgage to buy a house—but generally if you can live within your means you will avoid all sorts of problems.

生活上要努力保持收支平衡，所以应该存点钱。在可能的情况下避免负债。当然可以有些例外——如抵押贷款买房子——但是总的来说，如果你能保持收支平衡就能避免各种麻烦。

5. Never Despise Yourself.

5. 绝不要看不起自己。

You are great and capable of achieving great things so believe in yourself. When things go badly, never stop believing. Some girls get depressed, blame themselves and lose self-esteem. All sorts of problems can follow.

你很优秀，也有能力获得美好的前程，因此要相信自己。身处逆境的时候也绝不放弃。有些女孩子会因此消沉下去，怪罪自己，从而失去自尊。那样一来，各种问题都会随之而来。

6. Never Give Less Than Your Best. 永远尽力而为。We are very proud of what you have accomplished so far. You should be proud too. Keep doing well. Keep trying your hardest at everything you do. No one can ask for more than that.

6. 我们为你已取得的成就感到骄傲，你也应该感到自豪。继续好好干。继续在任何事上都尽最大努力。没人能要求更多了。

7. Never Forget that Your Parents Love You.

绝不要忘记你的父母爱你。

7. Whatever happens in life, your family will still be your family. Whatever difficulties you encounter you can always talk to us and we will try to help. We are here for you.

生活中无论发生了什么，家始终是你的家。无论你遇到什么困难，你都可以告诉家人，家人会尽力帮助你，他们是你永远的坚强后盾。