Checkout the Archaic Tips from this Old Home Economics Book

“Have one of his favorite dinners ready to serve as soon as he comes home from work. This is a way to let him know you've been thinking of him all day and you want to serve his every need!”

That was one of the lessons taught from the Senior High School Curriculum Guide for Home Economics in the 1960's when I went to high school. The women's movement of the 60's and 70's was very critical of home economics, seeing it as a conservative discipline that worked to restrict girls and women to traditional domestic and maternal roles.

Here are some of the actual lessons taught in "Home Ec."

TO BE A PROPER WIFE:
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 for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

Clear away the clutter. During the colder 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 comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

At the time of his arrival eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him. 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.

Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner or other places of entertainment without you. Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order, tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

Don't complain if he's late home for dinner, or even stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that 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. Arrange the pillow and offer to take off his shoes.

Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice. 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.

Once he has had a chance to have his evening meal, clear the dishes and wash up promptly. If your husband should offer to help, decline his offer as he may feel obliged to repeat this offer and after a long working day he does not need the extra work.

Encourage your husband to pursue his hobbies and interests and be supportive without seeming to encroach. If you have any little hobbies yourself, try not to bore him speaking of these, as women's interests are often rather trivial compared to men’s.

At the end of the evening, tidy the home ready for the morning and again think ahead to his breakfast needs. Your husband's breakfast is vital if he is to face the outside world in a positive fashion. You may then set the alarm so that you can arise shortly before him in the morning. This will enable you to have his morning cup of tea ready when he awakes.