Duties of the Wife

Duties of the Wife

1883

Make your personal appearance as beautiful as possible for your husband. Your dress may be calico, but it should be neat. While hair dye is not advisable, the eyebrows may be improved by a slight application.

Make every attempt to spend wisely the dole your husband offers for household expenses. Purchase with care.

Whatever the day's circumstances, greet your husband with a smile.

Do not estimate your husband by his ability to make display. His employment may not be favorable for fine show, but his superior qualities of mind and heart are all that matter.

In your husband's dealing with his employees he is in the habit of giving commands and being obeyed. In his absentmindedness the same dictatorial spirit may possess him at home, so avoid all disputes until he gains his senses.

Maintain dignity in public with your husband. Loud talk or laughter, pointing, running, allowing your skirt to drag or sucking on your parasol handle all show bad manners.

Do not use profanity, slang, or words of double meaning that will bring the blush to your husband.