TWO CENTS WORTH:

I think what Dotsie was saying is that women shouldn't think that their self worth is validated by the man in their life. That this man will be responsible for making them happy.

Teaching an independence of the heart and soul will help our children to understand that happiness comes from within and that we ALL have choices available to us.

Independence is a good thing, financially or otherwise. There is nothing that says you can't have it all. My niece works, has two beautiful children, a wonderful husband, and a good solid marriage from all accounts.

But the point I think Dotsie was making is that our Mother's did not have the choices we have today, and the independence she's referring to is not necessarily one of a dollar value, but of learning to NOT settle for less, in a mate, a job, a lifestyle...etc.

We have richer opportunities available to us, and armed with the knowledge, (independence) we can make better choices. Yes? No?

JJ