The following is from an ACTUAL 1950's Home Economics textbook
intended for High School girls, teaching them how to prepare for
everyday 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 a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay 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 schoolbooks, 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.
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