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My Have Times
Changed
The following is from a 1950's Home
Economics textbook intended for High School girls,
teaching how to prepare for married
life.
1. Have
Dinner Ready:
Plan ahead,
even the night before, to have a delicious meal on
time. 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 prospects of a good meal are part of
the warm welcome needed.
2. Prepare
Yourself:
Take 15
minutes to rest so you will 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. His boring day may
need a lift.
3. Clear Away
The Clutter:
Make one last
trip through the main part of the house just before
your husband arrives, gathering up 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.
4. 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.
5. Minimize
The Noise:
At the time
of his arrival, eliminate all noise of 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.
6. Some
DON'TS:
Don't greet
him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if
he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared
with what he might have gone through that
day.
7. Make Him
Comfortable:
Have him lean
back in a comfortable chair or suggest he 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, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him
to relax and unwind.
8. 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.
9. Make The
Evening His:
Never
complain if he does not take you out to dinner or
to other places of entertainment; instead try to
understand his world of strain and pressure and his
need to be home and relax.
10. The
Goal:
Try to make
your home a place of peace and order where your
husband can relax.
Author
Unknown (I think this is a strategic move
for personal safety reasons!)
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