The 1955 “Good Wife’s Guide”: A Glimpse Into the Past

I feel lucky to live in a generation where women are respected and enjoy rights. For centuries, this wasn’t the case. Women were treated as subservient and inferior. Thankfully, society has progressed. Yet looking back, it’s striking to see how history expected women to behave.

In May 1955, Housekeeping Monthly published a “Good Wife’s Guide,” detailing how women should treat their husbands to be the ideal wives and mothers. Today, these rules offer a stark reminder of how far women’s roles have evolved.

1. Prepare Dinner in Advance

Plan ahead—even the night before—to serve a hot, delicious meal. This gesture showed consideration for his needs. Most men returned home hungry, and a favorite dish made for a warm welcome.

2. Refresh Yourself

Take 15 minutes to rest, touch up your makeup, and put a ribbon in your hair. Look fresh. After a long, tiring day, he deserves to see a bright, pleasant face.

3. Lift His Spirits

Bring energy and charm to the evening. Light conversation or a cheerful demeanor can help brighten his day.

4. Tidy the House

Walk through the main areas before he arrives. Clear clutter, wipe surfaces, and ensure the space feels welcoming.

5. Organize the Children

Wash their hands and faces, comb their hair, and change clothes if needed. Encourage quiet play and minimize household noise.

6. Create Comfort

During cooler months, light a fire. Arrange seating so he can relax. Your efforts help the home feel peaceful and inviting, and they give you a sense of personal satisfaction.

7. Greet Him Warmly

Smile and show sincere happiness when he enters. Listen first. His conversation matters more than your updates at that moment.

8. Make the Evening His

Never complain if he’s late or goes out. Respect his need to unwind and appreciate his pressures from work or daily life.

9. Avoid Complaints

Do not bring up problems or grievances as he arrives. Keep the home a sanctuary of peace, order, and calm.

10. Ensure Comfort

Offer a seat or let him lie down. Bring a warm or cool drink, arrange pillows, and speak softly. These small gestures reinforce his sense of rest and relaxation.

11. Respect His Decisions

Do not question his actions, judgment, or integrity. The guide emphasized that a good wife knows her place and supports her husband’s authority in the home.

Reflection: How Far We’ve Come

Reading the 1955 guide today feels surreal. While these rules were meant to define the “perfect wife,” modern society values equality, shared responsibilities, and mutual respect in relationships. The guide highlights just how much women’s rights and expectations have changed—and why it’s worth celebrating the progress we’ve made.