Sunday, March 13, 2011

We've Come a LONG Way Baby!

From a 1950's high school home economics textbook, teaching girls 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.
(I admit 4 out of 5 days a week I still do make dinner)
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.
(if I was anymore gay or interesting when my husband came home from work....he might not come home!)

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.
(rest and order...in this house??? Hahahhahahahahaha...I work, remember???)
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.
(Prepare the children??? PUHLEASE!!)
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 and be glad to see him.
(Sorry, this is the noisiest time of the day at my house!  I have things that need to get done!)
6. Things to avoid: 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.
(pshhhh, I'm hitting him with my best shot when I hear that door open!)
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.
(offer to take off his shoes??? He should have taken them off BEFORE he walked in the house!)
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.  (hahahahahaha....no chance in hell that is gonna happen!!!)
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, his need to be home and relax.
(his world of strain and pressure??? Hmmmm I'm going out with the girls and leaving him with the kids!)10. The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax.
(oh please, he get's plenty of time in his recliner, with the TV...which by the way he can still seem to tune us all out with)
 
 

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