Last night Kim and I decided that she would quit her job because of the heat at her work, and the fact that I am bringing home more bread anyway. She is now a happy little housewife, barefoot and pregnant even. So in honor of this special occasion in our little family unit I have decided to share this Circa 1955 "Housekeeping Monthly: Good Wife's Guide". I don't expect Kim to really follow this though, that would be very misogynistic of me. However, it is so very funny to read this stuff...
*The Good Wife's Guide*
*Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. 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 (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
*Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll 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 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 will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
*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. Minimise all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. 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 at home and relax.
*Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew his body and spirit.
*Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.
*Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him 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 judgment 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.
I didn't highlite the lines in the picture, that's how I found it on a Google Image search...
6 of you posted a comment...:
Yikes! It's scarey to remember that was what my mother's generation believed, and what I railed against all my life. It's not really that long ago! Interesting isn't it? I am so glad you see the misogny in it! Also glad that Kim can stay home and cool.
" Be a little gay"??? I knew there was a homosexual agenda, and it started way back then. I always wondered what my mother was talking about at the back fence with the other neighbor ladies. Now I know: how to be just a little gay for their husbands.
My 2 favorite things in that sucker are: "Let him talk first – remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours." and "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."
Of course, I will expect a few things to be done around the house now that I am the primary bread winner. My laundry and what not, but nothing even approaching the severity of the Circa 1955 "Housekeeping Monthly: Good Wife's Guide".
You best be careful about what you expect--you might get more than you bargained for!
Did you do her laundry when she was the primary breadwinner? Just wonderin...
I was just kidding, sheesh. Hehehehe
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