Lesson From A Newlywed: The 1956 Edition

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How many times have you found yourself wondering what it would be like to spend your days at home, not answering to a boss and watching Ellen? Let's face it - guy and gals - the fantasy of being a stay at home Mom or Dad always sounds so appealing at the beginning of a work week.

Sounds like it would be great, until you read something like what was printed in the May 13, 1956 issue of Housekeeping Monthly. Here are just some of the jewels about wifely duties and advice for a long and happy marriage circa from the article "The Good Wife's Guide"

• "Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel 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."
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• "Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him."
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• "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."
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• "Make the evening his. Never complain if 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."
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• "Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have been through that day."
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• And finally, my favorite: "Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

The magazine has many other suggestions for being a "Good Wife," but the wrap it all up by reminding readers that, "A good wife always knows her place."

This would have been a lesson for a newlywed circa 1956... boy I would have had a lot of trouble.