Remember the good old days of marriage – before the diapers, never-ending disagreements and stale sheets.
Our lives were filled with all that lovey-dovey, mushy stuff – kisses, canoodles and more.
Getting set to capture the ‘I do’s’ of a best friend and her soul mate, I can’t help but revel in their wedded bliss and at the same time, wonder where I went wrong.
So as these two (and many others out there) prepare to say their vows and dedicate themselves to each other, here’s a little marital advice, courtesy of Housekeeping Monthly’s May 13, 1955 edition titled The good wife’s guide:
“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.
“Prepare yourself. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair…He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
“Be a little gay and a little 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.
“Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables.
“Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by…After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
“Prepare the children…They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. 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. 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 or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you…even if he stays out all night.
“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.
“Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
“Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house…You have no right to question him.
“A good wife always knows her place.”
OK, so maybe this isn’t quite fitting for a bride of the 21st century, most of whom are working moms.
But if you switch husband with wife and vice-versa in each reference, I think it is quite suitable.
Happy wife, happy life! Right, boys?
