The following is from a 1950's Home Economics textbook intended for High
School girls, teaching how to prepare for married life.
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.
Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so 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 alot of work- weary people. Be a little gay and a little
more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
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.
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.
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.
Some Dont's: 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.
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.
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.
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.
The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your
husband can relax.
