How to prepare for married life
The following is from an actual 1950s Home Economics textbook intended
for girls, teaching them 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.
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.
3. Clear away 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.
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.
5. Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise
don't run the washer and dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children
to be quiet.Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.
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.
7. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or
suggest he lay 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.
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.
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.
10. The Goal: try to make your home a place of peace and >>order where
your husband can relax.
The Updated Version for the 90's Woman:
1. Have dinner ready. Make reservations ahead of time. If your day becomes
too hectic just leave him a voice mail message regarding >>where you'd
like to eat and >>at what time. This lets him know that your day has been
crappy and give > him an opportunity to change your mood.
2. Prepare yourself. A quick stop at the "Clinique" counter on your way
home will do wonders for your outlook and will keep you from becoming
irritated every time he opens his mouth. (Don't forget to use his credit
card!)
3. Clear away the clutter. Call the housekeeper and tell her that any
miscellaneous items left on the floor by the children can be placed in
the Goodwill box in the garage.
4. Prepare the children. Send the children to their rooms to watch television
or play Nintendo. After all, both of them are from his previous marriage.
5. Minimize the noise: If you happen to be home when he arrives, be in
the bathroom with the door locked.
6. Some DON'TS: Don't greet him with problems and complaints. Let him
speak first, and then your complaints will get more attention and remain
fresh in his mind throughout dinner. Don't complain if he's late for dinner,
simply remind him that the leftovers are in the fridge and you left the
dishes for him to do.
7. Make him comfortable: Tell him where he can find a blanket if he's
cold. This will really show you care.
8. Listen to him: But don't ever let him get the last word.
9. Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to
dinner or other places of entertainment; go with a friend or go shopping
(use his credit card). Familiarize him with the phrase "Girls' Night Out!"
10. The Goal: Try to keep things amicable without reminding him that
he only thinks the world revolves around him. Obviously he's wrong, it
revolves around you!
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