Although the 1950s were only a mere 70 years ago which is a drop in the ocean of human history, looking back at it really shows how much progress has happened since then.
When we posted the tips from the 1950s housewife guide, many of you were curious about other customs from that time. There also seemed to be a divide among readers whether you found the rules agreeable or not. So we decided to dig deep into archives and pull out this, a list of marriage tips from the 1950s!
After you’ve scrolled through this list, we would love to hear your thoughts on this list and if your opinion of the 1950s has changed at all!
1. A Smile Goes A Long Way
Chances are, you’ve probably heard at least one man come up to you and tell you to smile because it makes you “prettier.”
Well in the 1950s, women were expected to fake their smiles, no matter how miserable they were. The same was not expected of husbands. As you progress through this list you will see this theme repeated constantly.
2. Keep Quiet
Nowadays, there are times where either partner needs some silence to think, however in the 1950s things were much different.
Instead wives were expected to never challenge or question her husband’s decisions! Nowadays that seems more like a prison sentence, than a life partner. Now women and men are allowed to share their minds equally, making a much happier life for both!
3. Wear Pink Underwear
Dr. William Josephus Robinson, an expert at the time, said that “Every women should wear the best quality underwear that she can afford. And the color should be preferably pink.”
Even something as private as underwear was to be mandated by men. This rule in particular seems very unusual from a modern day perspective.
4. Don’t Let The Kids Be Too Much Trouble
As crazy as it sounds, mothers were expected to control their children whenever their father was around. It was always the mother’s job to make sure the children were well behaved and never got in father’s way.
It’s hard to imagine how mothers in the 1950s ever managed to accomplish this. Any parent will tell you that kids will indeed be kids, no matter how hard you try!
5. Expert Cooking Will Keep Your Man Loyal
Supposedly, if your cooking was fantastic, your husband would never cheat or leave you.
Another curious and laughable entry. Perhaps just misguided, but makes you scratch your head in the modern day.
6. Put As Much Care Into Your Appearance As Dinner
