Thursday, September 20, 2007

Housewife in 50's

The following is actually taken from a 1950s Home Economics textbook intended for High School girls; guidelines on how to prepare for married life.

1. 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 prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
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2. 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. His boring day may need a lift.
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3. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, 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.
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4. 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.
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5. Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of 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 to see him.
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6. Some DON'TS: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.
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7. 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.
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8. 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.
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9. 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 and his need to be home and relax.
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10. The Goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax.
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You know what? I'm lovin' it. And I'm lovin' those time ARE GONE :)

6 comments:

Kate said...

OK, loud was the laughter when I read this aloud to my poor husband.

Especially the part where I take off his shoes!

He wonders how it is that men have lost so much ground in 50 years.

He would like to return to that golden era. *SNORT*

Nika said...

Hey, so does my Husband. Unbelievable. But those days won't come back. Women power rule the world. XXI century belongs to us. Sorry guys :)

Anonymous said...

I think its quite romantic; I'd love to return to those days.

Anonymous said...

Before you dismiss these ideas, try them out. My marriage is wonderful and we do most of these things. Change them as suits you (for example, in 9, why not just ask him when is a good night and then plan a special evening together). Also, you can stand up for yourself and expect him to treat you with the same respect and love. But you will find that if you are good to your husband, he will be good to you. This is not about being a doormat; it's about being an equal partner. Show respect and love for yourself and for him.

TGAPGeorge said...

I absolutely agree with what anonymous (@ 4:30 pm) said. It's all about the equality. Plus, I'd rather take off my own shoes.

Oh, and I'd like to see if "Bette" would like to get some coffee sometime!

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