[McDragon's Memo: This is an excerpt from a 1950 High School Home Economics textbooks in America. To quote Dave Barry: I am not making this up!]

HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know 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 is part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself. Take fifteen minutes to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be a little refreshing. His boring day may need a lift.

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up the 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.

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 their part.

Minimize all the noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacume. 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.

Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest that he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool/warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillows 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.

Some Don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as a minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

THE GOAL: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax in body and spirit!

Back to the living room

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