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| WWII Era (Public Domain) |
Have marital “rules” changed much in the past 70 years?
George W. Crane’s 1939 “Marital Rating Scale” provides some clues.
Husbands and wives were evaluated back then with a system of merits and demerits. Husbands earned brownie points for the following behaviors: remembering anniversaries and birthdays, frequently complimenting spouse regarding her looks and cooking, being a “good provider,” sharing use of car with wife, and date nights at least once per week.
Wives earned their chops by playing a musical instrument, dressing up for breakfast, being jolly, never going to bed angry, practicing religion, being a good hostess (even with unexpected guests), and carrying on interesting conversations.
No-nos for husbands included the following: flirting
with other women, arriving surprisingly late for dinner, criticizing wife in public, snoring, brazenly belching, and inviting unexpected dinner guests.
Wives lost favor by wearing red nail polish, wearing curlers or face cream to bed, flirting with other men, failing to darn socks regularly, shunning children, warming cold feet on husband, and wearing ragged clothing around the house.
Resources
http://www.someecards.com/love/dating-relationships/marital-rating-scale-1939/
Copyright December 22, 2016 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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