H brought this home too me about a year ago as a joke but when I found it the other day I thought that parts of it could be looked at as a guide in the DB'ing process too. It also gives one an idea of the mindset of people from the time period and a CLUE as to WHY R/M's were more successul back then...ENJOY!
The good wife's guide Housekeeping Monthly 13 May 1955
*Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready and on time for his return. THis is away 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.
* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed whe 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 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 befor your husband arrives.
* Gather up the schoolbooks, toys, paper etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables
* Over hte cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give yu a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
* Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the childrens 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. Minimise all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer and vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
* Be happy to see 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 are more important than yours.
* 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.
* Your goal: Try to make your home a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband cna renew himself in body and spirit.
* Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
* Don't complain if he's late homr 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 question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have know right to question him.
* A good wife always knows her place.
Zoo
"If patience is worth anything, it must endure to the end of time. And a living faith will last in the midst of the blackest storm."
- Mahatma Gandhi