For Tarquin - The good wife's guide
Posted by: seagull on 15 February 2006
The following are extracts from Housekeeping Monthly 1955 found by Mrs S. in a parish magazine she picked up in the pub where we had a very pleasant Valentine's Day meal.
- 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.
- Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's 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 cleaner. 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 and 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 for dinner, 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 of a home in which to relax.
- Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low 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, he will exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him. - A good wife always knows her place.
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Excellent. These books should be taught in schools!
