Louise Hay’s book Empowering Women is simple, to the point and awesome. I am loving it. Early on in the book Louise discusses some of the reasons why many women have low self esteem today. One of them being our programming from past decades, television, media and school.
If you would like to learn what it takes to be a “good wife” (back in the 1950′s) then prepare yourself for an interesting read. Oh, how times have changed.
The following is an excerpt from a 1950′s high school home economics textbook. It is real and authentic. If you shock easily I advise you not to read it.
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 of 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 they need.
2. Prepare yourself:
Take 15 minutes to rest so that 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 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 all 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.
6. Some don’ts:
Don’t greet him with problems or complaints. Don’t complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back into a comfortable chair or suggest that 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.
7. Listen to him:
You have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.
8. Make the evening his:
Never complain if he doesn’t not take you out to dinner or to other pleasant entertainment. Instread, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to unwind and relax.
Carole is a freelance writer on holistic, inspirational and simple living, passionate blogger and facilitates annual Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali:
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