Home Economics: Advice to pamper men in a 50s-style

(Redirected from Advice to pamper men in a 50s-style)

A reader sent in the following extract from a 1950s Home Economics Book.

Entitled How to be a Good Wife, it presents a comprehensive guide for the perfect 1950s wife.

Considering that, 30 years earlier, women were throwing themselves under horses for the vote and, only four years before, women were digging fields, working in munitions factories, driving ambulances in war zones and generally taking over men’s roles while they were away at the front, it makes interesting reading.

“Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time for his (your husband’s) return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the welcome needed.

“Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up. Put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a little lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

“Clear away the clutter: Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gather up school books, toys, papers etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. In the cooler months, you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by.

“Minimise all noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity to please him.

“Listen to him. You have a dozen important things to tell him but let him talk first. Remember his topics are more important than yours.

“Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real needs to be home and relax.

“Your goal. Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and in spirit.

“Some Don’ts. Don’t greet him with problems or complaints. Don’t complain is he’s later for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Don’t ask him about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is master of the house and, as such, will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness.

“You have no right to question him. A good wife always knows her place!”

Pages linking here