FROM A 1950 HOME ECONOMICS BOOK
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 that 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 makeup, 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
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
the part.
MINIMIZE ALL NOISE
At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer,
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 or complaints. Don't complain if he
is late for dinner. Count this as minor 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 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.
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
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.
