The 1950’s Good Housewife Guide is a domestic abuse manual !
As I was having lunch today I was listening to a talk by Louise Hay and she reminded me of the 1955 Good Housewives Guide. This was certainly preparing women for a life of being less important and of only being good enough if you were looking after someone else and catering to their every need, regardless of your own !
Things have come a long way since that 1950’s definition of what makes a good wife/partner although there are some things you may even like doing. I know I love cooking a nice meal for my husband. However, reading that guide today, with my experience of domestic abuse, I know that many of the things contained in the guide have similarities to being in an abusive relationship. In fact, I am sure some of the abusers must have digested this article ! I have combined a couple of the points in the guide and missed out a few but here are the ones that made me feel particularly uncomfortable :
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. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.