it isnt often that i get all feminist, but we are studying the 1950s in history, and came across this page out of a girl's text book. needless to say i wasn't very happy, although it is rather humerous by today's standards. How To Be A Good Wife 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 a well prepared, warm welcome home. 2. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that 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 (happy remember, the '50s) 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, papers, 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 gove him a lift. 4. Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces, if they are small, comb hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. 5. Minimize all the noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all nouse of the washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage teh children to be quiet. Be happy ot see him. Greet him with a warm smile and BE GLAD to see him. 6. Some don'ts. Don't greet him with problems and complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as a minor compared to what he might have been through that day. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest that 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, and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind. 7. Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to rell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him speak first. 8. Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other pleasant entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to unwind and relax. THE GOAL: Try to make your home a place of peach and order where your husband can relaz in body and spirit. again, this is from the '50s. and do you know my favorite part? this is still expected of the mother who works full time on top of this and running kids places and doing errands and more. god i love society. Conformity! laur