HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE
Home Economics High School Text Book, 1954
Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal, on time. This is a way of letting him know that 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 are part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, 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. His boring day may need a lift.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the home just before your husband arrives, gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.
Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (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.
Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home.
Some don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he 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, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.
Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.
The Goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
When I first read this years ago, I laughed so hard with my girlfriends, tears were rolling down my face. We had a sarcastic comment for every one of these, "How To's".
Let's see...
I was a wife in the '70's,
again, in the '80's.
Then I did some time in the 90's being "wife-ly", and
Now, here I am again in the 2000's.
So I figure, what do I have too lose, but to try to be a good wife/partner like the 1950's version. It's worth a try I figure. If you think about it, who wouldn't like to come home to 'that'- everyday. No matter what your title is. Husband, wife, partner, friend.
So,- I'm going to 'quietly', try some of these suggestions and see what happens. Just for the FUN of IT! Hee-Hee.
5 comments:
Ha ha I actually like that! I don't see what's wrong with trying to make someone, especially someone as important as your husband, feel extra special. Of course, they should remember to do the same for us too! ;)
I have to tell you that the 40's & 50's was a wonderful time to live. However, wives, went to work (some had to go to work)and so things changed. Working women did not always have the time after work to do the things on your list. But putting on a good fast meal does not take a lot of time anymore. Cooked & prepared food can easily be picked up at the grocery store. Crock pots can also have your dinner cooked and waiting for you when you arrive home. First one home (husband or wife) can set the table and do some of those suggestions for the spouse that arrives home last. The suggestions are great and I loved when my, honey, had a meal ready for me when I arrived home late. I also felt good when I prepare meals for him that he especially liked. I think you will feel good being able to make life comfortable and happy for your Honey.
Hey I think it's a great idea! Wish I could do those things. But sadly I must work work work outside the home:(
By the way, I love your side bar pictures and comments.
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