WOMEN'S RULES OF HUSBANDLY ETIQUETTE (1950)

Over the holidays, I went to my parent's house and they asked me to clean out their attic. I stumbled across a framed picture that displayed rules by which a woman should look after her husband. These so-called ‘rules’ were taken from a 1950's Home Economics book.

Keep in mind, the following material is a glimpse into a pre-feminist era. Have fun reading this stuff.

Have Dinner Ready

Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time. This is a way to let 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 he needs and deserves.

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.

Clear Away the 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 also.

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 washers, dryers, dishwashers or vacuum cleaners. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and act like you’re glad to see him.

Some Don'ts

Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through during the day.

Make Him Comfortable

Invite him to lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he 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, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to 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 to other places of entertainment. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure. He needs to enjoy his home and relax.

The Goal

Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

(Anonymous)