How to Prepare for Married Life

- Some Guidelines -
1950's Home Economics Text for High School girls
Updated Version for the 90's - Y2K Woman
|- CLICK HERE to add BG's version  for the modern woman -|
  
- Have dinner ready -
1950's -  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.
 
1990's -  Make reservations ahead of time.  If your day becomes too hectic just leave him a voice mail message regarding where you'd like to eat and at what time.  This lets him know that your day has been crappy and that he will have an opportunity to have some fun when he works on changing your mood.
 
BG's - ???

 
  
- Prepare yourself -
1950's - 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.
 
1990's -  A quick stop at the "LANCOME" counter on your way home will do wonders for your outlook and will keep you from becoming irritated when he overlooks your stress-filled day and whines for your constant attention.  Use his credit card - you know  it pleases him to buy you gifts!  
 
BG's - ???

 
  
- Clear way the clutter -
1950's - 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.
 
1990's -  Call the housekeeper and tell her that any miscellaneous items left on the floor by the children can be placed in the Goodwill box in the garage.
 
BG's - ???

 
  
 - Prepare the children - 
1950's - 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.
 
1990's -  So that he can unwind at the end of a long day and you can have a little time to yourself before you have to mother him at the end of the evening,  send the children to their rooms to watch television or play Nintendo.
 
BG's - ???

 
  
 - Minimize the noise -
1950's - 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.
 
1990's -  If you happen to be home when he arrives, allow him quiet time while you "remember your spirit" Oprah style in a warm bubble bath surrounded by candles.  Let him know  he can take all the quiet time he needs - leave a "Please do not disturb" sign on the bathroom door.
 
BG's - ???

 
  
 - Some Don'ts -
1950'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.
 
1990's -  Don't greet him with problems and complaints.  Let him speak  first, and then your complaints will get more attention and remain fresh in his mind throughout dinner.  Don't complain if he's late for dinner:  simply remind him that the leftovers are in the refrigerator and you left the dishes for him to do.
 
BG's - ???

 
  
 - Make him comfortable -
1950's - 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.
 
1990's -  Tell him where he can find the blanket if he's cold.    Place the remote control on his pillow so he can get right to it when he needs it. This will really show you care.
 
BG's - ???

 
  
 - Listen to him -
1950's - You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time.  Let him talk first.
 
1990's -  But don't ever let him get the last word!
 
BG's - ???

 
  
- Make the evening his -
1950's - 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 and his need to be home and relax.
 
1990's -  Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment: go with a friend or go shopping (and , of course since you know it is his pleasure to buy you gifts)  use his credit card!
 
BG's - ???

 
 - THE GOAL -
1950's - Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax.
 
1990's -  Try to keep things amicable without reminding him that he thinks the world revolves only around him.
 
BG's - ???

 
Dear gawd, could you imagine what the guidelines must have been in the 1880's!!!
I just know that you have something to say about this list lol,  I know I do!    Just you go ahead and  send e-mail and let us know!
 

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* Adaptation of funny e-mail that has been circulated on the net.