Good Wifes Guide

HOUSEKEEPING MONTHLY, 13 MAY 1955

The Good Wifes Guide

1. 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.

I think this is good! Its good to have dinner made for him when he comes home. They do work hard but they need to realize we do too!!!! I alway make dinner after he comes home because otherwise how do you get it done? With 2 small boys its so hard!

Found on Found in Moms Basement
2. 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.

I think this is important. Im always running around with my kids and cleaning or doing something so Im always dressed down. It would probably be nice to at least do my hair and get my make up on haha!

Found on Retro Humor Posters

3. 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.

I have a really hard time being "gay" especially when my kids are to much to handle! My youngest got shots this weeks so hes super fussy. The last thing I really want to spend extra energy on is being "gay". I just want to hand them over and take a shower! Am I mean? lol

4. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the house just before your husband arrives. This I try to do anyways

5. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc and then run a dustcloth over the tables. Haha

Found on Gutenberg

6. 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. I would have been the worst housewife! HAVEN OF REST??? Where and when is my haven of rest!!!??? Light your own fire...haha

So cute! Found on the Flickr of CGoulao
7. 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 or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. I try to have my kids washed for dinner. Its about time they have a bath anyways...with playing and all the messes.

Found on the Flickr of Nifty Thrift Gal

8. Be happy to see him.

I am very happy..."here...the baby pooped "then I hand him over

9. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

10. Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Oh my gosh!!! I want him to listen to me talk. Ive talked to 2 babies all day and dont have real contact with "people from the outside" so I need to talk. Anyone feel like that ?

11. Let him talk first - remember his topics of conversation are more important that yours.

12. Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. I complain too much...I should try doing it less!

13. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

14. Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

15.Don't greet him with complaints and problems

16. Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

17. 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

18.Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice

20. 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 excercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him

21. A good wife always knows her place.

I just cant believe this is the advice given in 1955! Thats crazy. There is some good things that I think I need to work on and one big one is complaining but WOW...what woman had to do and put up with!

I hope you enjoyed this! It's wierd to see how a difference of a litte more then 50 years makes