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[<Yank2002(--nospam--at)aol.com>]

< 
 >>> Subject:      Home Economics
 >>>
 >>> The following is from an actual 1950's Home Economics textbook
 >>> intended for High School girls, teaching them how to prepare for
 >>> married life.
 >>> 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 be glad to see him.
 >>> 6.    Some DONT'S:  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.
 
 >>>
 >>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 >>>
 >>> Now the updated version for the 90's woman...
 
>>> 1.    Have dinner ready.  Make reservations ahead of time.  If your
 >>> day becomes too hectic just leave him a voice mail message regarding
 >>> where you'd like to eat and at what time.  This lets him know that
 >>> your day has been crappy and gives him an opportunity to change your
 >>> mood.
 >>> 2.    Prepare yourself.  A quick stop at the "LANCOME" counter on your
 >>> way home will do wonders for your outlook and will keep you from
 >>> becoming irritated every time he opens his mouth.  (Don't forget to
 >>> use his credit card !)
 >>> 3.    Clear away the clutter.  Call the housekeeper and tell her that
 >>> any miscellaneous items left on the floor by the children can be
 >>> placed in the Goodwill box in the garage.
 >>> 4.    Prepare the children.  Send the children to their rooms to watch
 >>> television or play Nintendo.  After all, both of them are from his
 >>> previous marriages.
 >>> 5.    Minimize the noise:  If you happen to be home when he arrives,
 >>> be in the bathroom with the door locked.
 >>> 6.    Some DONT'S:  Don't greet him with problems and complaints. Let
 >>> him speak first, and then your complaints will get more attention and
 >>> remain fresh in his mind throughout dinner.  Don't complain if he's
 >>> late for dinner, simply remind him that the leftovers are in the
 >>> fridge and you left the dishes for him to do.
 >>> 7.    Make him comfortable:  Tell him where he can find a blanket if
 >>> he's cold.  This will really show you care.
 >>> 8.    Listen to him:  But don't ever let him get the last word.
 >>> 9.    Make the evening his:  Never complain if he does not take you
 >>> out to dinner or other places of entertainment;  go with a friend or
 >>> go shopping (use his credit card).  Familiarize him with the phrase
 >>> "Girls' Night Out!"
 >>> 10.   The Goal:  Try to keep things amicable without reminding him
 >>> that he only thinks the world revolves around him. Obviously he's
 >>> wrong, it revolves around you.
 >>>
 >>