Re: I am So Glad that I Missed the 50's

From: Joya Beebe <joyab_at_fox.com_at_hypermail.org>
Date: Tue, 08 Jul 2003 15:18:14 -0700

But ... you're a guy. You're glad you missed having someone to clean the house, dress nice, prep the kids, put you in an armchair with a pillow, take off your shoes and mix you a cold drink?

(OK, as written it DOES sound over the top/forced/too much, particularly every day (and I'm sure it would have quickly gotten old for the woman!) but you can see why the man might like it. Of course, hopefully he would make her feel appreciated for it and not just growl "wherzmydinner?". I mean, I certainly appreciate getting dinner for made me, etc. after I come home from work - not that Bob's wearing any pink ribbons. And I only growl "wherzmydinner?" in jest. Hey, maybe _I_ should cultivate my inner '50's housewife more ... )

>>> "7visions" <7visions_at_prodigy.net> Tuesday, July 08, 2003 2:44:42 PM >>>

----- Original Message -----

How To Be a Good Wife
This is the text from a 50 year old home economics textbook. Really!
  "Have his dinner ready. Plan the night before to have a delicious meal ready for him on time. This will let him know that you've been thinking of him and concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the thought of a good meal is part of the warm welcome he needs.
  Make yourself look nice. Take a 15 minutes rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives home. Touch up your make-up and put a pink ribbon in your hair. Don't forget he has just been with a lot of work-weary people, so he will need you to look fresh. Be gay and interesting, as his boring day will need a lift.
  Clear away the clutter around the house. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives home and gather up school books, toys, paper, etc. Run a duster over the tables. Then, when he arrives home, your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order. It will give you a lift too.

  Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash their hands and faces, comb their hair and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

  Minimise all noise. As soon as he arrives home, turn off the washer, dryer, dishwasher and vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and look glad to see him.

  Don't greet him with problems and don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day. So make him comfortable. Have him lean back in his armchair or suggest that he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool 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 other pleasant entertainment. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to unwind and relax. Your goal is to try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax in body and spirit."
Received on 2003-07-08 15:18:20