Home Economics

1950 Home Economics
The following is from an actual 1950s Home Economics textbook
intended for High School girls, teaching how to prepare for married life.

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 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.

2. Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be
refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, 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 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 and his need to be
home and relax.

10. The Goal: try to make your home a place of peace and order
where your husband can relax.

Now the updated version for the
'90s woman.

1. Have dinner ready: Make reservations ahead of time. If your
day becomes too hectic just leave him a voice mail message
regarding where you'd like to eat and at what time. This lets
him know that your day has been crappy and gives him an
opportunity to change your mood.

2. Prepare yourself: A quick stop at the "LANCOME" counter on
your way home will do wonders for your outlook and will keep you
from becoming irritated every time he opens his mouth. (Don't
forget to use his credit card!)

3. Clear away the clutter: Call the housekeeper and tell her
that any miscellaneous items left on the floor by the children
can be placed in the Goodwill box in the garage.

4. Prepare the children: Send the children to their rooms to
watch television or play Nintendo video games. After all, both
of them are from his previous marriages.

5. Minimize the noise: If you happen to be home when he arrives,
be in the bathroom with the door locked.

6. Some DON'TS: Don't greet him with problems and complaints.
Let him speak first, and then your complaints will get more
attention and remain fresh in his mind throughout dinner. Don't
complain if he's late for dinner; simply remind him that the
leftovers are in the refrigerator and you left the dishes for him
to do.

7. Make him comfortable: Tell him where he can find a blanket if
he's cold. This will really show you care.

8. Listen to him: But don't ever let him get the last word.

9. Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you
out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; go with a
friend or go shopping (use his credit card).

10. The Goal: Try to keep things amicable without reminding him
that he only thinks the world revolves around him. Obviously
he's wrong, it revolves around you.