Life In 1955

Never have I ever seen my mother wear a dress while doing house chores back then. Now, I have had neighbors that did wear a dress and high heels and did the chores like Joan Cleaver. Like this will happen in our time. If hubby ever wanted to see this happen he can just kiss my ass cause it will never happen.

The good wife's guide (this was printed in Housekeeping Monthly May 13, 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 come home and the prospect of a good meal
(especially his favourite dish) is 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 for his comfort will
provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

*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 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
tranquillity where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

*Don't greet him with complaints and problems.

*Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night.
Count this a minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

*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
pleasant voice.

*Don't ask him questions about his action 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.

*A good wife always knows her place.