I am sure you all have seen this information before that comes from a 1950's high school home economics textbook, teaching girls how to prepare for married life. I listed the 1950's way and my take on the 2010 way.
1. Have Dinner Ready
The 1950’s Way: 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.
The 2010 Way: Still have dinner ready. You don’t have to plan ahead the night before and it can come from a box or bag. Still make an attempt to at least cook a few homemade meals a week.
2. Prepare Yourself
The 1950’s Way: 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.
The 2010 Way: Still touch up your make up before he comes in the door. It can’t hurt to still look beautiful for your husband. No need to rest for 15 minutes as it will not make a difference in your wrinkles or sagging boobs. If you were gay today for your husband you will be waiting at home in bed with another woman. Don’t do that unless you are in that type of marriage. Instead be who you are without the bow in your hair…unless you are going for the school girl role playing. You want to be interesting…give him today’s newspaper and let him entertain himself.
3. Clear away the clutter
The 1950’s Way: 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.
The 2010 Way: A little clutter in one section of the house is not going to kill his day. A pig pen will and would even ruin my day. Still pick up stray things if you have time and frebreeze the house.
4. Prepare the children
The 1950’s Way: 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.
The 2010 Way: Are you kidding me? Children are little treasures? Every child has a demon inside of them and your husband should experience that part just the same so he knows what you go through. Don’t bother changing their clothes unless they need it and don’t do it just for the sake of your husband.
5. Minimize the noise
The 1950’s Way: 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.
The 2010 Way: Keep doing the laundry, dishes, or vacuum. A little noise is not going to hurt anyone and he should be thankful for everything you do. Encourage children to be quiet? Good luck with that one. Still greet your husband with a smile and be happy to see him.
6. Things to avoid
The 1950’s Way: 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.
The 2010 Way: I would not greet with complaints…give it 10 minutes. You have every right to complain about something that may have gone wrong in your day as he does. Just because you are home doesn’t mean things don’t suck once in a while. If he is late for dinner no need to complain, just tuff shit for him his food is cold and he knows were the microwave is.
7. Make him comfortable
The 1950’s Way: 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.
The 2010 Way: Give him a beer and the remote. As for those shoes…I am not touching them unless I want to inhale some form of toxic rotten feet. My voice is my voice and I am not changing.
8. Listen to him
The 1950’s Way: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.
The 2010 Way: Conversations are a two way street. If you have something to say just say it and don’t wait for him to speak. You are just as important. However if you are one of those women that does not come up for air while speaking I would not want to even come home if I was you husband – learn when to shut up.
9. Make the evening his
The 1950’s Way: 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 2010 Way: If he does not take you out to dinner or out to other places he deserves a swift kick in the ass. He may have a world of pressure but that is no reason for you to stay in the house 24/7. The evening should be about the two of you and not just one person. If he does not want to go out he at least should give you some money for new clothes and you can go shopping without him.
10. The goal
The 1950’s Way: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax.
The 2010 Way: Make your home a place of love and warmth for BOTH you and your husband to relax.
Reference for 1950’s information: http://www.funfacts.com.au/1950s-housewife/
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