Life of the 50s: How To Be A Good Wife

The other day my mom read to me an excerpt from a 1950s High School Economic textbook that she was given at the High School she works at. The title is How To Be A Good Wife. I'm going to type out the excerpt (which is not very long at all). Times have changed, ohhh boy have times changed.

How To Be A Good Wife

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself. Take fifteen minutes to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. Put a ribbon in your hair and be a little refreshing. His boring day may need a lift.

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

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 their part.

Minimize the noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the 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.

Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest that he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool/warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillows and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

WHEW. What a job it was to be a wife in the 50s. Times have surely changed. While reading this, I found myself chuckling, because now, looking back on what wives were required to do for theirs husbands is funny. But I got to thinking about it, if wives still did this in their homes, it seems marriages would/could last longer. But, that is just my opinion. Just wanted to share this excerpt with y'all! Hope you enjoyed!! :)