Lee's Funnies

                   Home Economics 1955

The following is from an actual 1950s Home Economics
textbook intended for High School girls, teaching them how
to prepare for married life published by Penguin Publishing
1955.

1. 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 prospects of a good meal are part of the
warm welcome needed.

2. PREPARE YOURSELF: 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.

3. CLEAR AWAY CLUTTER. 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.

4. 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.

5. MINIMIZE THE NOISE: At the time of his arrival, eliminate
all noise of washer, dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the
children to be quiet. Greet him with a warm smile and kiss,
letting him know you're glad to see him.

6. Some Don'ts: 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.

7. MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE. Have him lean back in a comfortable
chair or suggest he lay 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.

8. 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.

9. 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
and his need to be home and relax.

10. THE GOAL: try to make your home a place of peace and
order where your husband can relax.


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