The following is from an actual 1950s Home
Economics textbook intended for High School
girls, teaching them how to prepare for married
life. Then read on for the way things really
are....
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 bout 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 schoolbooks,
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 of washer, dryer,
or vacuum. Try to encourage the children
to be quiet. Greet him with a warm smile
and kiss, letting him know you're 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.
************ AND NOW, WELCOME TO THE NEW
MILLENNIUM, Boys... ******************
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 gives him an opportunity to change
your mood.
2. PREPARE YOURSELF: Make sure to change
out of your work clothes into something comfortable.
Who cares if he likes it or not . .after
all, it's most likely his T-shirt and boxers.
3. CLEAR AWAY CLUTTER: Yeah right! Tell the kids and your husband if they want
maid service, they better call one!
4. PREPARE THE CHILDREN: Send the children
to their rooms to watch television or play
with their Play Stations.
5. MINIMIZE THE NOISE: Yell to him over the
loud music your kids are playing, that this
is what you had to put up with while he was
gone. And mention that it was his decision
to buy the kids a new CD player in the first
place.
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.