The swinging pendulum.
This little slice of modern culture just really, really got on my nerves.
Sure, the first one is obnoxiously sexist and sounds more like the job description for a Victorian house servant. The second is no better. Sure, it's supposed to be funny, but I've heard enough of this kind of thing for the humor to be completely worn out. I don't think we need centuries of female dominance to "make up for" centuries of male dominance.
How to Be a Good Wife: Sierra Revision
Have dinner ready whenever possible: This will keep both of you healthy. Most men have at least some knowledge of the culinary arts. Encourage him to trade off cooking nights, or help you when you do cook. Occasionally, treat him to his favorite meal as he walks in the door. This is not demeaning, it's called doing something nice; and it won't exactly hurt your relationship.
Prepare yourself: Treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the tub with a good book and some chocolate. This will give you a lift after a stressful day, and it won't cost you money. Your husband will benefit from your good mood.
Clear away the clutter: Teach your kids to clean up after themselves at an early age, and set a good example by doing the same. Not all men are allergic to housework. Both of you should pitch in to keep your house comfortably clean.
Prepare the children: Tell your kids that all violent activity after 5:00pm is to be conducted in the back yard, and that no parental intervention is to be expected until bedtime. Encourage them not to kill one another.
Minimize all noise: Avoid placing the washer or dryer in a conspicuous place where its operation could possibly be that irritating. Tell the children that all violent backyard activity is to be conducted as quietly as possible, and that negative parental intervention is to be expected otherwise. Greet your husband with a warm smile and be happy to see him. Treat him like you're still dating. It's not your responsibility to make him do the same. If he persistently doesn't, discuss it with him in a civil manner.
Some don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Just being married does not negate your responsibility to be polite. Don't complain if he's late for dinner; ask him what happened. Have coffee ready for both of you. Speak in a pleasant, normal voice. Relax and unwind together.
Listen to him: What he has to say should be interesting to you, if you really love him. Likewise, he should be interested in hearing about your day. However, he is not perfect and you should not demand constant attention.
Make the evening "ours": Occasionally go out together to dinner or other places of entertainment. Communicate. Work out a plan that satisfies the needs of the two of you.
The goal: Do your part to make your home a place of peace and order where both of you can renew yourselves in body and spirit.
Sure, the first one is obnoxiously sexist and sounds more like the job description for a Victorian house servant. The second is no better. Sure, it's supposed to be funny, but I've heard enough of this kind of thing for the humor to be completely worn out. I don't think we need centuries of female dominance to "make up for" centuries of male dominance.
How to Be a Good Wife: Sierra Revision
Have dinner ready whenever possible: This will keep both of you healthy. Most men have at least some knowledge of the culinary arts. Encourage him to trade off cooking nights, or help you when you do cook. Occasionally, treat him to his favorite meal as he walks in the door. This is not demeaning, it's called doing something nice; and it won't exactly hurt your relationship.
Prepare yourself: Treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the tub with a good book and some chocolate. This will give you a lift after a stressful day, and it won't cost you money. Your husband will benefit from your good mood.
Clear away the clutter: Teach your kids to clean up after themselves at an early age, and set a good example by doing the same. Not all men are allergic to housework. Both of you should pitch in to keep your house comfortably clean.
Prepare the children: Tell your kids that all violent activity after 5:00pm is to be conducted in the back yard, and that no parental intervention is to be expected until bedtime. Encourage them not to kill one another.
Minimize all noise: Avoid placing the washer or dryer in a conspicuous place where its operation could possibly be that irritating. Tell the children that all violent backyard activity is to be conducted as quietly as possible, and that negative parental intervention is to be expected otherwise. Greet your husband with a warm smile and be happy to see him. Treat him like you're still dating. It's not your responsibility to make him do the same. If he persistently doesn't, discuss it with him in a civil manner.
Some don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Just being married does not negate your responsibility to be polite. Don't complain if he's late for dinner; ask him what happened. Have coffee ready for both of you. Speak in a pleasant, normal voice. Relax and unwind together.
Listen to him: What he has to say should be interesting to you, if you really love him. Likewise, he should be interested in hearing about your day. However, he is not perfect and you should not demand constant attention.
Make the evening "ours": Occasionally go out together to dinner or other places of entertainment. Communicate. Work out a plan that satisfies the needs of the two of you.
The goal: Do your part to make your home a place of peace and order where both of you can renew yourselves in body and spirit.