|How To Be a Good Wife

This is allegedly actual text from an American home economics text book, circa 1950.

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've been thinking about him and concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect^{1 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 makeup^{2, 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.}

Clear away the clutter^{3. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gather up school books, toys, paper, etc. Run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven4 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 , 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^{5, dishwasher, or vacuum. 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.}

Some Don'ts: Don't greet him with problems and complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor^{6 compared to what he might have gone through that day. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest that he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing7 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.

Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or other pleasant entertainment. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to unwind and relax.

The goal! Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax in body and spirit.