While we were visiting in St. George, my Dad started cleaning out drawers and files, giving Aubrey a stack of old newspaper clipping and photos with which to start a family scrapbook. We had a great time identifying people in photos, commenting on who looks like who and laughing at outdated styles.
Which brings me to this little gem...Dad found it in a 1950 Home Economics text book and was so taken with it that he copied it for his personal files. Dad, Bill, Carl and Sean are very anxious that I share it with the world. I think they are hoping to inspire a new women's movement.
Tips for a Happy Marriage
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 about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed. (Have Pizza Hut on speed dial.)
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. (But only a LITTLE gay!)
3. 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. (Dusting ALWAYS makes me happy!)
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. (At least untie them and let them back inside the house.)
5. Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of 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. (Hide the remote...heh, heh, heh.)
6. Things to avoid: 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. (Some people prefer cold pizza.)
7. Make him comfortable: Have him 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 relax and unwind. (You are getting sleepy...very sleepy...you are now in my power...)
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. (Still waiting?)
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, his need to be home and relax. ( Where on earth does this guy work? )
10. The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where you and your husband can relax.
Any comments? How about a corollary for men?
This is hilarious! I do try to have dinner ready or at least some boxes of cereal on hand as the case may be. Eric's lucky if I'm still in real clothes by the time he gets home. I usually abandon the jeans for sweats or PJ's by 3p.m. As for tidy children...I think last week Eric pulled up to find Ellie playing in the front yard in just a diaper. That's how we roll around here.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear some revised rules for how a husband should greet his wife at the end of the day. I can safely say that she probably wouldn't want him to "act a little gay".
Wow that was hilarious. I don't think I would have made an ideal wife in the 1950's. Don't get me wrong- I like to have dinner ready for Chris if possible and ask him about his day...but you won't find me rushing to put a ribbon in my hair before he walks in the door! I'll also have to work on my "low, soft, soothing voice". HA!
ReplyDeleteIf this is what my hubby really wanted he would have left years ago. My MIL still puts on her lipstick before my FIL gets home.. I don't wear any ever (except Sunday's and only occasionally)!
ReplyDeleteWe are still laughing about this. I will have everyone know I have dropped the issue of the sunglasses and appologized for the domestic abuse that occured sunday night! You had to be there! Mon I had dinner waiting with Seans slippers by the door. I even tied a ribbon in my hair before he came home!
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