Restraint

When should people let themselves free, and when should people restrain their emotions?

It's hard to know when your feelings will lead to more harm than good, however it is very important not to let a good thing escalate into something out of control.

Sense and Sensibility shows this idea through the sisters Elinor and Marianne. Where Elinor does not let herself be preoccupied about Edward, Marianne gave way to herself and completely short-circuited on her love of Willoughby. Because Elinor had self-restraint, when Edward came she was ready to take him in happily. Marianne's emotions got her into trouble: Willoughby ended up leaving with another girl, and Marianne's emotional dependence on him gave her a very hard time.