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From a technical standpoint, I write how to columns. This was how to be a good wife, circa 1955. After reading this, you will wonder if women were sedated back then. Wouldn't it be fun to re-write "The Good-Wife's Guide" for 2010? My revised version will be coming soon! (And please, feel free to contribute.)
The Good Wife's Guide
* Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, and on time, for his return. This is a way of letting him know you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair, and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
* Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
* Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
* Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc and then run a dustcloth over the tables.
* Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
* Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and face (if they are small), comb their hair, and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures, and he would like to see them playing the part. Mimimize all noise. At the time of his arrival eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vaccuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
* Be happy to see him.
* Greet him with a warm smile, and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
*Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first. Remember- his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
* Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late, or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be home and relax.
* Your goal: try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
* Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
* Don't complain if he comes home late for dinner or if he even stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
* Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair, or lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
* Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
* Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement, or integrity. Remember he is the master of the house, and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
* A good wife always knows her place.
Comments
What a hoot! Here’s my addition, you may use it! (Two actually)
1. If you had a demanding and nerve racking day, or someone pi$$ed you off or hurt your feelings, you retain the right to complain about it. As your husband and perhaps the closest person in your life, he has the obligation to listen and say soothing, comforting words.
2. If he goes out after work and stays out late, you retain the right to go out with the girls on another night.
Debbie, this is priceless, I am laughing at how many of these rules Steve would love. Just for a laugh I think I will try 1 or 2
Steph
I actually read this to my husband. He might have enjoyed that world for 1-2 days. Definetely the stepford wives feeling about it.
Wow! I cannot believe that is real...
Quite frankly -- some of the advice should still apply today -- particularly greeting him with compliments rather than complaints!
Happiness/ R
Talk about homage to a pretty much bygone era.......
Amazing!
Favorite quote: "A good wife always knows her place, on top of her throne where she shall be worshiped by all."
Hi Debbie, just linked to you in Tiger Woods: forbidden sex and sugar and spice.
Happiness/ R
Sexy starts in the morning when Hubby takes out the trash or brings you coffee in bed. Yes, SOME of these really can work in our world today. Some are so funny and outdated!
Ok, I love this: "Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it."
That could be taken a totally different way today!!!!!!
I thought everyone knew by now that this is a hoax.
Steve, this is not a hoax. If you google "1955 Good Housekeeping" and click "images" the article will appear. Exact copy of the original.
Those of us from a (ahem) certain generation can remember some of these "rules." About half of them seem logical, why not? Why not give your husband a break from nagging? Why not have him come home to a clean house and a home cooked meal? Yes, I know many of you are working, but many of you are simply going to an afternoon yoga class or you're shopping.
Some of these are silly, but some are not.
What's the problem with the article?
I like the article.
Love the "be a little gay" part. Not sure that would turn on most guys but maybe some....that would certainly provide a "lift" to his "boring day"...lol....language changes in 50+ years just like people!
A friend took this to work and one of the guys said, "this is what I have to do for my wife!"
btw, if he ever stays out all night, he will find his clothes on the front sidewalk in the morning...
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