Isteri Mithali, American-style

I came by this article while sorting out old issues of my Royal Lake Club newsletters. It first appeared in American magazine Housekeeping Monthly in May 1955. This must be the American Isteri Mithali (Ideal Wife) guide. Have a good laugh.

THE GOOD WIFE'S GUIDE

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and concerned about his needs.

Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking.

Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, papers etc and run a dust cloth over the tables.

Prepare the children. take a few minutes to wash them, comb their hair and change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

Minimise all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

Be happy for him.

Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first. Remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to places of entertainment without you. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

Your goal: try to make your home a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

Don't greet him with complaints and problems.

Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him 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, soothing and pleasant voice.

Don't ask him questions about his actions or questions his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

A good wife always knows her place.