Women! - Know your limits!

I absolutely cannot believe this article from the 'House Keeping Monthly - Good Wife's Guide', 13th May 1955.

It is supreme in it's banality, yet effortlessly weaving itself into the fabric of the time. Religion-like in it's mantra. It's bloody genius and madness in one! So many things are of course.

I am a very happy lady when I'm taking care of a home, and a man for that matter, and happiest operating in a family environment; I like to cook and know that the members of my household can rely on the things that good food, made with love provides.

But can you imagine feeling you have to live under this 15 point plan for marital, and female, success?

(No pasting and copying was used in the production of this blog! )
And I quote (please feel free to read aloud in the voice of Katie Boyle):

"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. Men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is a part of the warm welcome needed.

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.

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.

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.

Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables.

Over 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 satisafaction.

Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash all 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. 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 in your desire to please him.

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.

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 need to be at 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 spirit. Don't greet him with complaints and problems.

Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him 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 soothing and pleasant voice.

Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement 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."


Well shiver my timbers, and write me out a prescription for the new, popular, middle-class housewives choice!

Fantastic stuff, I think you will agree.

That's just gorgeous if you ask me.