When Lois went on vacation, I got to hang out with my new BFF Bethenny Frankel, my favorite NYC Housewife. The guidelines below will give you an idea of what it was like to be a ‘wife in the 1950s, and what it’s like to be a ‘wife today. What hasn’t changed from then to now is how hard women worked to create a wonderful life for themselves and their partners and families. Then as now, we women were able to accomplish our goals while wearing our 5-inch stiletto heels…
How To Be a Good Wife
Home Economics High School Text Book, 1954
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 prospect of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, 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.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the home just before your husband arrives, gather up schoolbooks, 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 all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the 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 he is home.
Some Don’ts: Don’t greet him with problems or complaints. Don’t complain if he is 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 renew himself in body and spirit.
How To Be a Good Housewife
Adapted for the Housewives/NYC, 2009
Make your dinner plans. Plan ahead, even the night before, to call your favorite restaurant and reserve your table. This is your way of letting your man know that you’re worth a night on the town. Most men like a little warning that he’s buying cocktails and a good meal.
Prepare yourself. Take the day off so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives to pick you up. Touch up your makeup, put more spray 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 will benefit from this.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the home just before your husband (or date) arrives. Gather up your gossip magazines, toys, bills, etc. Then ask your housekeeper Rosie to run a dust cloth over the tables. Your man will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.
Prepare the children or small dogs. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s (or small dog’s) hands and faces, 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, tell Rosie to eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children or small dogs to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home.
Some Don’ts: Don’t greet him with problems or complaints until you’ve both had your first cocktail. Don’t complain if he is 10 minutes late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with being 15 minutes late for dinner. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom when you tell him about the new charity you have started. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Then show him your new shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice when presenting him with the invoice from your interior decorator. Allow him to relax and unwind before telling him that he’ll be escorting you to the benefits dinner this weekend.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him—and go ‘head, tell him.
Make the evening yours. Complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. He needs to understand your world of strain and pressure.
The Goal: To make your home a place that reflects your overall fabulousity and deservedness for more fabulousity.
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Katie & Bethenny
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1950s Housewife
