The 1955 ‘Good House Wife’s Guide’ Explains How Wives Should Treat Their Husbands

You’re probably familiar with the article published in Housekeeping Monthly in May of 1955 on how to be a good wife. It was called, “The Good Wife’s Guide,” and it detailed all the ways that a wife should act and how best she can be a partner to her husband and a mother to her children.

The rules have certainly changed a lot since then but it is truly fascinating how society once behaved and the rituals and traditions that have carried over from the 50s to today.

The article is pretty much based on the man’s arrival home after a long day at work and what your duties are to prepare for it.

So here goes:

1. 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. 

2. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.

3. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so 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.

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