The Modern Wife

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Housewife. What is the first image that comes to mind when you hear that? It very well could be the 1950's version of a woman in her apron, with her pretty dress on and in heals. I have always loved the retro look of the housewife. It almost seemed cute to me. Until I stumbled across, The Good Wife's Guide from Housekeeping Monthly in the 1950's.

After a little more research, the article seems it might be a touch on the fabricated side but it does not mean it doesn't touch a little bit on the roles of housewives past and how much has changed. Plus, it makes for a fun story.

Women now make up 45% of the workforce today compared to the 1950's. It has changed the way a housewife fulfills her role in the household. It can leave little time for extra hobbies like baking and knitting. Heck, I hardly have time for any of those things unless it's a weekend.

Add technology in there,with cell phones, Netflix and ovens that clean themselves, a modern housewife is born.


Glass of wine in hand, instant potatoes being made. Also, no dress unless it's a special occasion. Let's look at the other differences.

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.


While I am concerned about my husband's needs and do try to have dinner ready for him most nights, there are nights we order take out. Nights where I'm running late or working a late shift and he does have to make dinner. To add to that, portions are still something I am adjusting to and his belly still wants more. The Modern Wife tries to juggle dinner the best she can but there are some times where the husband has to step in. And might I even say, should step in. 

Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

Women today aren't always there when their husband gets home from work. They might be running a last minute errand or dropping the kids off. The roles could very well be reversed. There were some nights I was not here when he got home. He was forced to text or call me about what happened at work.

If my husband has a bad day, I know that should be my first concern when he comes through the door.My problems can wait at that moment. In any marriage, you should listen to your partner's needs and hear about their day. The Modern houswife is educated and informed. She knows how to use this information but still be there for husband when he has a bad day.


Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.


Do I mind if my husband goes out with his friends or co-workers? Not at all. Do I mind if he does not tell me? You betcha.  Today, husbands respect their wives enough to give them a heads up. At least the smart ones do. It also helps that with cell phones, most married couples are in contact throughout the whole day. It would be hard to not mention a late night or dinner.

The role of a housewife has definitely changed in the last 60 years or so. I do sometimes wonder what my grandma might have to say about my domestic skills. I do not bake cookies regularly and leave the dishes in the sink. But the one important word that hasn't changed, being a wife.

It's still one of the best jobs any woman can have.

What do you see the modern housewife as? 
 photo Krista-Signature.png



12 comments:

  1. This is so true. There are so many households with different ideas. Nowadays the era we are in we have Dads staying at home and it is so unheard of! I am so lucky to have the type of schedule I have where I am home all day four days a week and only have to work three. We just have a plan that works out for us! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think housewives used to use housework, cooking and cleaning as a way to show love and respect to their husband, who made the money in the family. Now, with both parents contributing, there are so many other ways to show love and the work (both in and out of the home) is more evenly divided. And if my husband wants to cook and clean the house for me to show his love, I wouldn't be opposed!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, yes, yes! I like the thought of being a traditional housewife, but in this MODERN world, that just isn't ideal! My husband and I have talked about how, even if he's the sole provider, I will be doing SOMETHING on the side, whether it be in an office or a business from home, while we're raising our kids. I feel like we have the potential to achieve a happy-medium, where the husband still presides & provides, but the wife is also more present and active. Thank you for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  4. When I first got married I was a housewife by default, since I'd just moved to the are and was looking for a job. In theory it sounded like a pretty good gig, I loved cooking and we had just moved into our apartment so I had lots of unpacking and organizing to do. After about a week of being a housewife, I was losing my mind. It made me realize that until we have children I need to be working at least part time, and not even just to contribute but for my own sanity. I'm more productive at home when I work a few days outside of the house. If I'm home to much I get super lazy and nothing gets done haha.

    ReplyDelete
  5. all my life i thought i would want to be a housewife. now that i've had a career for all these years, i might have a hard time leaving it. there have definitely been a lot of changes over the years.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I couldn't imagine! If i don't hear from him for a few hours I get worried...technology...

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think about being a housewife once we have kids. But that would also be having a job I could do from home..so maybe not so much :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Coming home from work and getting straight to cooking is so hard. SO. HARD. I just want to sit on the couch but can't. And some nights dinner suffers. Luckily, my husband loves me anyway!

    ReplyDelete
  9. That's what's so great about this day of the modern wife. Everyone has a different story, a different routine. It isn't saying, this is how EVERY wife should act. Some work, others do not. Some are great at cooking, others it takes time. It's all depends on your family's plan.

    ReplyDelete
  10. That is a great point Sara! Being home all day, it was expected that their home was the only place they could show their husband how much they respected that he was out all day working. Since I work all day along with my husband, we split the the chores out of respect for each other.

    ReplyDelete
  11. As more women are educated, it's expected that they have a lot to bring to the table. Ideas, jobs, etc. and being at home all day isn't expected anymore. It's great that it has become an option should we choose that. If I do, I know my house would be a lot cleaner!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have those lazy days. Look at Instagram on Sundays. That was not happening back in those housewives days. She already had a full breakfast made and a load of laundry done.I would like the option to stay home with the kids but like you I would need to do something on the side.

    ReplyDelete

CopyRight © | Theme Designed By Hello Manhattan