The Good Wife's Guide
From Housekeeping Monthly, 13 May, 1955.
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. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed. (I think about you every day all day, but if you expect dinner on the table when you get home you best be going to a restaurant to get it and THEN come home)
Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll 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. (Like me for me or look the other way, don't like potato chip chic? oh well!)
Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it. (I am ALWAYS interesting, if I weren't you wouldn't be here)
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dust cloth over the tables. (Yeah OK! Who has time for this?)
During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction. (cater to his comfort? HAHAHA)
Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet. (minimize noise? how about buying stock in ear plugs?)
Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him. (I am always happy to see him, just so long as I didn't get a call asking what was for dinner. Dinner is whatever I feel like making and it will be ready when I say it is)
Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours. Don't greet him with complaints and problems. (OK- for this to work... don't ask about my day first)
Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work. (If you don't want to come home to a new closet on the front lawn you will come home, and if you're going to be late it is common courtesy to pick up the phone to let me know you will be late)
Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him 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. (the couch IS comfortable and you know where it is. My voice is squeaky... deal!)
Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him. (I ALWAYS ask questions. It is my nature and I will ask any question I feel like asking)
A good wife always knows her place. (a good husband knows better than to say something so absurd!)
Until next time...
.jpg)
