I copied this from a blog of a radio talk show host (that I often listen to.)
The following is from a 1950's Home Economics textbook intended for high school girls, teaching how to prepare for married life.
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.
Prepare yourself
Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with alot of work-weary people. Be a little happier and a little more interesting. 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 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 the part.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, his need to be home and relax.
The goal
Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax
1950's Textbook Lessons on Preparing Girls for Married Life
Monday, Jan, 4 2016
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.
Prepare yourself
Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with alot of work-weary people. Be a little happier and a little more interesting. 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 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 the part.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, his need to be home and relax.
The goal
Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax
It does go a bit overboard, but
I actually think it has some
validity...not that everything is
about putting our husband on a pedestal, or worshiping
I actually think it has some
validity...not that everything is
about putting our husband on a pedestal, or worshiping
him, but it has some good points. Sometimes we do just think about
ourselves too much and don't put our loved ones ahead of
ourselves.
ourselves.
Philippians 2:3 . 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves
Your Thoughts????
I have done some things in the past, but it was a waste of time(when I was married). One thing I have always done was look halfway decent at all times. I used to NEVER not wear make up and lay around in sweats and such.It was a huge thing for Jack to convince me to wear sweats around home. I always have looked presentable.Of course sweats are no long considered sloppy clothes.(to some people)
ReplyDeleteWell you can certainly tell this was written at a time when it was assumed women didn't work outside the home.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pillow-fluffing and offering to take a guy's shoes off? Are you freakin' kidding me? LOL
Most of what was written has nothing to do with putting others before yourself out of love and generosity of spirit, but rather is about encouraging women's subservient role to men. Again, still.
Oh the good old days. LOL. Dream on big boys. Times have changed so much...mostly since women have to work also. Thank you Linda, this was kind of funny for me. I think hugging your man and telling him you love him every time you are together helps tons. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteAs I am old as dirt, and agree with most of the things that were listed, I best just say 'have a good day' and leave it at that.
ReplyDeleteThe old schoolers understood marriage more than the kids today. There's so little of that taught in the classroom or otherwise. I agree! I especially like the one about keeping complaints. I read a book once by Robert Schullers wife that said something like Don't let a negative thought come out of your mouth for the first 30 minutes of his arrival home.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of these. This is how my Mom was. I wouldn't go so far as the warm drink, rubbing his feet, etc. Most relationships, whether it's marriage or friendship are based on treating others as you would want to be treated. Good article and excellent choice of Bible verse!
ReplyDeleteDeb