THE GOOD HOUSEWIVES RULES OF 1950

Times have changed...OH HAVE THEY EVER! Take a trip to the past to see how life was for housewives in the 1950's...then fast forward to 2008 to get the REAL scoop!


1950- 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.

2008- Drive thru at Wendy’s – 2 #4 combos.

1950- Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will 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.

2008- Take 2 hours, shower until there’s no more hot water, do your hair and makeup, ask for his opinion, get mad at his opinion, leave with the girls.


1950- Clear away the 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.

2008- Hire Molly Maid, rip up the receipt.

1950- 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.

2008- Bribe your children to go against Daddy and be on Mommy’s side. Extra X-box time if deal goes well.

1950- Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of 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 to see him.

2008- Maximize the noise. Turn on every appliance in the house and crank the heat.

1950- 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.

2008- I believe this is where the expression “What are your legs broken, get it yourself” was invented.

1950- 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.

2008- Talk to him, you may have a dozen things to tell him and he DAMN well better listen.

1950- 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.

2008- Complain every moment you can. Don’t even get me started on strain and pressure.

1950- The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax.

2008- GUILT UNTIL REWARDED.