Quote From: amyp_momSo here are my updates to the 1955 good housewife list. some of my views might bug people and that's ok, but not everything here was bad. Think about it as you read through things. I can tell you from experience that a lot of these things really do make your husband look forward to coming home every night. They also help you look forward to him getting there. And on the days when you are sick and not up to the task if you try to follow these things most of the time, he will probably even feed and bathe the kids and put them and you to bed. Call me old fashioned.
- Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. 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 prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
Isn't this what a housewife does most night? 2006
- Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll 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.
If you want a kiss when he gets home then don't have a dirty diaper in one hand and maple syrup from breakfast on your cheek. 2006
- 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.
In other words don't start complaining about your day the second he walks in the door 2006
- Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
OK this one can probably go, but if that's how you 2 like your house then go for it! 2006
- Gather up school boxes, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables.
Skip the dust cloth, but it shouldn't be like walking through a landmine to be able to sit down and watch the news 2006
- Over the cooler months prepare a light fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
BLAH BLAH BLAH - how many of us even have a fireplace? 2006
- Prepare the children. Take a moment 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 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.
Or once Dad is settled they can run up and jump in his lap (assuming they aren't coated in mud) 2006
- Be happy to see him.
Uh yeah, if you want him to be happy to come home! 2006
- Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
Wouldn't you want the same? 2006
- 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.
His topics are not more important than yours, but give each other 15 - 20 minutes to just vent without trying to fix things for each other. Both of you deserve a chance to just be listened to. When you are doing this the kids need to leave you alone and play for a while 2006
- Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes to dinner or other 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.
Make the evenings for the 2 of you. If you have kids this will usually include them to, some nights it may not. Sometimes you both might have other commitments to tend to. Remember you both have different pressures each day and you both deserve to relax together. 2006
- Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order, and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
I think it's a good goal for the whole families benefit, of course not just his 2006
- Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
Common Sense 2006
- Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night (????? - what?) Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
He has no need to stay out all night. Let him know, without yelling, that it would be nice to get a call if he will be home later than usual so you don't worry unnecessarily (common courtesy) 2006
- 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.
He'll return the favor, try it a few times you'll see. 2006
- Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing voice.
Only take off his shoes if his feet don't stink. If his feet stink have a clean pair of socks there for him along with something to soak his feet in (just kidding) 2006
- Don't ask him questions about his actions or judgment or integrity. Remember, he is master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
Flush this one 2006
- A good wife always knows her place.
As does a good husband. Both walk side by side leading the way together for their family. 2006
You are sooo cool and SO right! I loved your responses. I guess my point in putting this out there is that the more things change the more they stay the same. And, oh by the way, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the suggestions above as long as there is mutual respect, caring, understanding and agreement. (I just didn't like that one thing about the guy staying out all night and don't question him.) BTW, I worked for three and a half years while my husband stayed home. I wish he had done some of the above for me. Oh well. Still, I loved your responses! I love your sense of humor!
Dr. Phil revisits the topic of what makes a good wife. Grant and Kelly first appeared on the show because Grant expected his wife to live up to his demanding standards. He wanted a cleaner house, better meals and a sexier spouse. After seven years, his constant criticism and disappointment had her ready to throw in the towel on trying to become the "perfect wife." Dr. Phil’s first talk with Grant and Kelly caused quite a stir as thousands of viewers wrote in choosing sides. How are Grant and Kelly now? Has Grant abandoned his critical ways and his expectation of having a Stepford wife? And why is he no longer wearing his wedding ring? Talk about the show here.
