The Richardson's

I saw this on a couple of blogs...specifically: The Adventures of the Wilkinsons
And I too couldn't resist!!!

It's an actual article in Good Housekeeping from May of 1955.

Let the comments begin!!!


The Good Wife's guide... 1955!


•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.
what??? like cook something? I might...if I was hungry.



Prepare yourself.
Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up you make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
If he arrives home before me.....am I entitled to see HIM in makeup and ribbons when I arrive home?? I'd really enjoy that.




•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.
All good here! I am a poster child for gay and interesting.

•Clear away the clutter.
Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc and then run a dust cloth over the tables.
Over the 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 you a lift too. After all, catering for his comforts will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
Oh dear......dust, cook, light a fire, and clear clutter. I may have to quit my job to keep up with this.

•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. Minimise 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.
Done! It goes like this. "DUGAN, JAKE!!!!! YOUR DADDY IS HOME!!!!! GO GETEM!! GETCHA DADDY! YEAH!! LICK HIM in the face! Good dog! Now, "speak"! Good dog!

•Be happy to see him.
I will if I dont have to light a fire for him.

•Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
How about a warm smile?

•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.
I'll listen....remember...I can't speak first. And OF COURSE my topics may not be as IMPORTANT, but they are dang sure more interesting. I bet I know who's dating who and who just got engaged...etc etc.


•Make the evening his.
Never complain if he comes home late or goes out 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 a home and relax.
Hmmm....comes home late? goes out to dinner and "other" places of entertainment without me? You're right! Sounds like his world of pressure....for a minute there I was thinking of an affair, but nah you got me!

•Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
I got peace and tranquility....you can't expect too much. Judging from above, I'm so freakin busy building fires and preparing children, and dusting, and cooking........

•Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
hmmm don't talk first and don't greet with complaints and problems. ****pencils in her notebook: make sure to holler your complaints as he is walking out the door.


•Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night.
Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
that would be minor in comparison of what he will be "going through" the next 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.
As long as he doesn't take mine.

•Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.
Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
ohhh fun! like Edward Cullen!!!



•Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity.
Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
oh found a wrong one! the woman is the master of the house. and I believe he'd agree with me (maybe out of fear).


•A good wife always knows her place.
anywhere she wants to be! My grandmother would be so disaapointed in me. =(