So, I realize that I have been distant, and blogthetic lately, but I had some big decisions that I felt needed my time, my undivided thoughts. There was just a whole stinkin' lotta stuff going on here, and things have leveled out. Kiddos are on the upswing health-wise, and I have made some choices and am now marinating in them before finalizing them.
Ironically, while trying to make some important decisions about the direction of my life, our lives, our future, my *wants* my needs mentally and socially etc., hubs found this at work and brought it home.... i can't help but to post it...
THE GOOD WIFE'S GUIDE.....from HOUSEKEEPING MONTHLY may 13th 1955
1. 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 are 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 favorite dish- is part of the warm welcome needed. (yah, this is all typed exactly as it appears.)
2. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up you make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people. (wow, a whole 15 minutes just to rest...)
3. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
4. Gather up schoolbook, toys, paper, etc. and a then run a dishcloth over the tables.
5. Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel as 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. (yes, it really says this)
6. 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. Minimize 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. (yup, it says that too.)
7. Be happy to see him.
8. 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. (no words really. NONE)
9. Make the evening his. Never complain is 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.
10. 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. (you may want to dust the entire house while said husband is renewing himself....)
11. Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
12. Don't complain if he is late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night.(again, yes, it really says this.) Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
13. 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.
14. Arrange his pillow and offer to take of his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice. (please take out the trash, ahh, please clean up your stuff, sigh, please don't leave your ginormous dang shoes in the MIDDLE of the kitchen floor....ahh, this is so calming isn't is dear...)
15. Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember he is the master of the house and such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him. (what with being the hired help and all)
16. A GOOD WIFE ALWAYS KNOWS HER PLACE.
just thought I'd share this gem of literature from 1955. gonna go straighten up the toys, rile up the children, and take a nap....oh, and in case your wondering, I am going to go back to work....it is a part time job, i will still be with the kids, and have plenty of time to daydream about what dear hubs would like for dinner, but I won't feel the need to take my grown man husbands shoes off for him or let him stay out all night. peace.
