Every woman has a special way to show her fella that she cares. Maybe it’s surprising him with a small gift he’s wanted forever, but would never get himself. Or maybe it’s giving him an unexpected squeeze every now and then. A true sign of real love: Actually waiting until he gets home to watch the next episode of your favorite show.
But 50 years ago, the idea of pleasing a man was a bit more, um, specific. According to our archives, these guidelines (or borderline rules, if we’re being honest) were our opinion on the tried-and-true ways to make your partner happy. These dozens of suggestions hail from our October 1965 issue, and many may make you scratch your head. We’ve come quite a long way in our approach to relationships.
1. The first and best way to please any man: Be pleased yourself. And don’t be the least bit shy about showing it!
2. Nice wives do the sweetest things! Making him a chocolate cake is one he’d love you to do.
3. Certain foods just can’t miss with men, and one of these sure things is steak. Expensive? Try a low cost option, but make sure to pick one that lets him have plenty to eat!
4. Of course he’ll want to preside over this sumptuous steak. See to it that he has a good, sharp knife to do his slicing — and plenty of elbow room.
5. If vegetables are something he can usually take or leave, surprise him with imaginative ones like peas dotted with tiny white onions or golden carrots with a dash of ginger.
6. After you prepare the food ahead of time, your only other pre-dinner duty? Discreetly disappear!
7. Ask one man, or a dozen, what he likes best for dessert, and he’ll probably say “something chocolate.” Try a dark delicacy to beautifully fit the bill.
8. Half the pleasure of a meal, to a man who’s been rushed all day, is the pleasant company of a wife who has dinner under control, and is relaxed about serving it.
9. Any dish you can take out of the freezer or refrigerator is bound to cut down on the fussing. Just don’t forget to have chocolate sauce handy on a cupboard shelf.
10. This one’s so easy the children can help. You may get more chocolate sauce than you bargained for, but, if they like it, what’s the harm? Daddy will be so proud, they’ll be so pleased — and Mother can just sit there and enjoy the whole show!
11. Another sensible and simple approach is the dessert you can make ahead and refrigerate until serving. Tucked away in the refrigerator, it’s like money in the bank.
12. Planning ahead can help solve the biggest meal problem of all (and the one that gives the jitters to so many cooks): How to make everything come out on time.
13. Dishes that require minimum attention after he arrives set free the nicest time of all — time you can spend with each other.
14. If your intuition tells you he’s weary — and it will, the minute he steps in the door — let dinner wait till he’s had a few minutes’ rest.
15. Unwinding can be a slow process after a trying day. Let dinner take as long as he likes. And end it with a gracious gesture we’re all too inclined to save for company: coffee.
16. Gather everything you need for after-dinner coffee together on a tray. With everything close at hand, you’ll have no excuse to be jumping up and down.
17. A lot of the charm of this gesture will be lost if you haven’t learned (or don’t take the trouble) to make a good cup of coffee. Use careful measuring and a spanking-clean pot.
18. After years of trying to please a particular man, a woman can get into an unfortunate habit: Thinking of her husband as a certain “kind” of man. Remember, we’re all mixtures!
19. We never met a man who didn’t like to sample a new dish at least occasionally. Arouse his curiosity.
20. The drink beside the exotic meal should look and be a worldly one, but it needs to be uncomplicated to concoct.
21. Try meals that have the spirit of adventure but that have foods that are basic and familiar.
22. A glorious meal is something to consider when the boss and his wife come to dinner. Both foods and arrangement should appeal to a man or a woman.
23. Most of us automatically rise to the big occasions, but do we make as much as we might of the small ones? It could be the nicest family get-together of the week, if you gave it a little thought.
24. How long has it been since you forced yourself to fix a dish he loves that you simply can’t stand? If he likes it that much, try to manage it once and a while.
25. He may have pet dishes you’ve never even heard about — take the time to find out.
26. To be prepared for all the meal problems that could arise, a wife really has to keep on her toes — and keep her wits about her! Set yourself up a recipe file.
28. Men like corn bread with their chili, and we think he will too, particularly if it’s made in a loaf. Amazing how impressive you can make a mix just by changing pans!
27. What’s called for on nights when you and he plan to go out — something you can whip up in short order.
29. Now that you can get already cut up fruits in the refrigerated section of the market, try adding them to a salad with fresh greens.
30. On nights when he says he may “be a little late,” you’ll want a dish that is willing to wait.
31. Nights when you won’t be home, you’d be wise to make a main dish in the electric skillet, that he can reheat when he comes home. Leave detailed instructions about what to do and how to do it, and he’s sure to get along absolutely great.
32. Have you come to rely too heavily on a dish you always do the same way? The greatest favorite can become “too much of a good thing” if it’s the same every time.
33. The same monotony is packed in many a lunch box, too, and there’s no excuse for that! Slip a mixture of pickles in a plastic bag; pack a container of coleslaw.
34. Breakfasts? You’re doing well if they’re adequate on hectic weekday mornings. But Sunday there’s time for a leisurely meal and surprises on the menu: hot gingerbread, corn bread or biscuits; sizzling sausages, pancakes or waffles. Won’t those smells get him up in a hurry!
35. Men like their wives to look pretty — hardly ever mind all our beauty products and primping, as long as the result is natural.
36. Let men be the masters of exaggeration (with fish stories, golf, etc.). Shy away from overdone, stark hairdos. Keep yours soft, and bouncy — he’ll rumple it more often.
37. Make him doubly aware of your clean, shiny locks with delicately scented hair spray, in harmony with the perfume he likes you to wear. Reinforce these scents with sweet-smelling bath soaps and with sachets slipped in with lingerie.
38. A pretty, well-kept hairdo should be a daily delight to him, not a special event for company only. Learn your hair type and the products that keep it lovely and controlled. A smart woman reads articles about hair, clips advice on easy care.
39. Men find certain feminine “sins” hard to forgive. Are you guilty of lipstick on your teeth? A slip or strap that shows? Fussing when the wind whips your hair?
40. Neatness, in his eyes, is a feminine virtue, so make your cosmetic corner a shining showcase.
41. Order is fine where it belongs, but don’t let family life get so routine it becomes monotonous. Plan a family bicycle outing or a movie together; talk the teenagers into cooking Saturday breakfast.
42. Stay a winner in the beauty game by keeping up on womanly details. At bath time, brush-scrub stubborn dirt from toes and fingers: clip hangnails; push back cuticles; shave legs and underarms.
43. Every brush stroke adds up to beauty. Use a palm-size complexion brush to gently cleanse and toe facial skin; a long-handled brush to scrub shoulders, elbows and feet.
44. Attractiveness isn’t just a matter of looks. When he comes home, be sure what he hears is as pleasing as what he sees. Bring up topics you can discuss together. Follow a major news story so you know more than a headline’s worth. Read the same paperback books — you’ll find it’s fun comparing notes.
45. Don’t spoil your attractiveness by being a grouch! If you laugh easily, it’s a blessing.
46. Let him see you looking perky each morning: Pink lipstick to brighten your smile, perhaps a ribbon to fix your hairdo fast.
47. When spirits droop, take time to renew your lipstick. A sunny shade in the slim-line design does a neat job ever so quickly.
48. Brush away a busy day with a pressed-powder blusher. One new compact has a light shade for highlighting, a deep rose color for toning down facial features.
49. It’s easy to stay slim when there’s a reason — he likes you that way. Control figure faults with daily exercise and correct posture; watch calories.
50. Plan some evenings out — just you two. These needn’t be budget-breakers. Take advantage of community events — a local band concert, a bowling banquet.
51. When your feet hurt, your expression and disposition show it. Pamper feet by kneading them with cream, exercising them in the tub, wearing a toe pad for a few days.
52. If he says “Let’s go out” at the last minute, be glad you have a home hair dryer. Always buy one with a Good Housekeeping Seal — a wise precaution for you to take, by the way, when buying any beauty product!
53. The average man is pretty much at a loss when it comes to describing his likes and dislikes, or expressing his ideas about what makes a house a home. Understand this, and don’t brood about his seeming lack of interest.
54. He considers the house your province and counts on you to organize and take care of the myriad daily details. He expects to be warmly welcomed into a cheerful house by a relaxed family — meaning especially his wife.
55. Who can be relaxed when she’s just done the washing and ironing? You can, with a cheerful work area.
56. If he tends to blithely dismiss “your” dryer, does he know what it does for him? How it takes care of “his things” from sweaters to sport shirts? Keeps him comfortably supplied with handkerchiefs and shorts? Teamed with a versatile automatic washer, it makes short work of any load from small and tricky to big and extra dirty. And no dripping lines over the bathtub. That you
know he likes!
57. To be less tired after a busy day, save up your sit-down chores — mending, phoning, silver polishing, menu planning, ironing — for times when you’re weary.
58. It will delight your husband to see you take a creative interest in gardening, flower arranging, painting, whatever. Don’t be too concerned about results — the fun is in the doing.
59. A too-finicky housekeeper is as annoying as a sloppy one. Be fair to yourself — don’t set impossible goals. And give the family a hand and a voice in projects and problems, without being patronizing — that’s no way to encourage their efforts.
60. Even in these days of instant and automatic everything, a conscientious woman can find more to do around the house than is physically possible. The trick is to make the right choices — to put the effort where it counts the most.
61. While you’re at the medicine cabinet (or wherever he keeps his grooming needs), check his supply to see what needs replenishing. Make a mental note — or add to your list. That’s the kind of thoughtfulness men thrive on!
62. Besides grooming products of the “standard equipment” type, many men have special preferences or needs. If your husband’s an outdoor man, surprise him with a soothing face lotion, colorless lip pomade for windy fall days.
63. Another considerate nod in his direction: When you’re shopping for “the house,” buy something that caters to his convenience at home.
64. If he grumbles that he’s always tripping over toys, invest in a toy chest. A chest for each child might be advisable; a stern lecture on their use is an absolute necessity.
65. Or consider a blender, if you haven’t as yet. True, this workaday appliance will be invaluable to you. But watch it become “his” when he gives it a whirl on some of the things most men make best: party drinks, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, etc.
66. That first-aid kit he’s been asking you to start is right on your supermarket’s shelves (might be wise to make up a second one for the car).
67. A good shoeshine really sets a man up. Nothing to it with an electric shoe polisher and kit.
68. When you have the time, you might make a contribution along the same lines: Give his closet a good straightening, clothes a thorough brushing and a steam press where needed.
69. Disappearing act for grease spots on jackets or slacks: aerosol spot remover. Spray the spot according to directions; a white powder will form as the spray dries; brush this off and the grease disappears, leaving no ring.
70. When he greets you at breakfast with “there’s a button off my shirt,” ask him to wear another and toss that one over a chair. And sew the button on that day.
71. If you send out your husband’s shirts and wash his socks separately, it might be a help if he had a hamper of his own, placed where he can’t miss it.
72. Many ties these days are washable; labels tell you which ones. Hand-wash them in warm suds, rubbing the knot area a bit; rinse and hang to dry.
73. Neat dresser drawers are dear to a man’s heart — and this you can manage with no special effort. Put his things back in order as you’re putting away newly laundered shirts, socks, etc.
74. Host is a role he’ll enjoy a lot more if the right props are there when he needs them. If he’s less than confident about carving for company, by all means get an electric knife.
75. If he always seems to get in an ice jam at parties, give him several ejector trays and an ice-storage caddy. Immediately updates the ice-department of any refrigerator.
76. Yours may be a supporting part, but don’t underestimate its importance. Back him up by planning carefully and doing what you can ahead.
77. Most men like company, but not many we’ve met like to be taken by surprise. They are much more inclined to be sociable (as who isn’t?) with a little advance notice. We suggest a family “calendar of events” kept out where he can scan it occasionally.
78. When it comes to accepting invitations from friends, chances are he’ll leave this pretty much up to you. But it’s only common courtesy (and common sense!) to check with him before you say yes.
79. Another area where cooperation is in order: the handling of family finances. You can relieve a certain amount of money tension by starting even a tiny savings account. Just evidence that spend isn’t all you can do, will take off at least some of the pressure!
80. Set up a special place for bills to be paid — a box or basket on your desk. Then allot one evening a month to writing checks, and you’ll know your credit rating is in good shape.
81. When husbands and wives have joint checking accounts, it’s better for them to draw checks from a single book than for each to carry his or her own. Calls for a bit more comparing of notes, but it’s accurate record-keeping that keeps the family bank account from being overdrawn.
82. When you’re planning to buy a new appliance, make a point of talking it over. Not only is it his money and his house, but he may have some excellent suggestions to make.
83. Take your husband along when you shop — but be sure to brief yourself thoroughly beforehand about brands, features, and the general run of prices. Big appliances are a major and long-term investment; it makes a man uneasy to think his wife may not know what she’s buying.
84. Ask all of the questions you feel are necessary to decide whether the appliance is for you. Don’t be concerned about being “too much trouble” to the salesman–answering questions is part of his job.
85. Then, when you’ve actually taken the plunge, read those instruction books! The woman who really drives men wild is the one who breaks everything she touches.
86. Keep a record of date of purchase, source, model number, and price–all mighty useful information when you want to arrange for service or have to write a letter of complaint.
87. Floor coverings are another area where forethought pays off. Before you do any final deciding, seek the counsel of a good floor dealer.
88. Handyman is an occupation that appeals to some husbands. (If yours isn’t one of them, leave him alone.) But a house always seems to need something done, and even the most enthusiastic “fixer” can get too much of a good thing. Better to list the projects you’d like him to undertake, then, when he has time, let him pick something he’d like to do.
89. When he’s nice enough to volunteer to dry the dishes, be glad–and be organized. Have the scraping and stacking all done, the suds all ready, before you begin. That way, without putting undue strain on his patience, the job will be done in minutes.
90. If you’re lucky enough to have hired housecleaning help, check on her efforts before he gets a chance — even, if necessary, pitching in yourself on the places she’s missed. Don’t let him get the impression that her wages are going to waste.
91. Small chores can, if you let them, become sources of tension — like whose turn it is to take out the dog or the garbage. Make some arrangement about the dog’s schedule — and count on hauling the garbage yourself!
92. Another aggravation in many a house: Who put the car keys where? Mutually agree on some central place or, better yet, have individual sets.
93. Most men spend a lot of time in their cars, for business or pleasure or both. Take a minute to remember to put a supply of paper towels and spray window cleaner in the glove compartment.
94. Another “instant” improvement to make in the car: a small plastic wastebasket made to hang under an automobile dash or on a window crank. When it comes time to do a job on the interior, a lot of the work will already be done.
95. On days when he’s willing to join you in grocery shopping, organize your list in two parts, one for you and one for him. And group them by type so they’re easy to find.
96. Notice what your husband selects for snacks, and keep some on hand for refrigerator raids.
97. Help all you can when he needs a special diet. Follow the diet’s rules to the letter–and encourage him to “do what the doctor ordered.”
98. Any meal, a diet especially, is far pleasanter eaten in an atmosphere of calm. And children, heaven knows, can get on your nerves. Try to keep them under control — and the same goes for your voice when you discipline them.
99. A worry-free way to get away from children occasionally: Exchange babysitting duties with a friend or neighbor. You both get free time, and you know your youngsters are with someone who is dependable.
100. Having to watch a woman clean house can make a man as uncomfortable as seeing her in rollers or face cream. Try to schedule your chores so as many as possible are done when he’s not around to be a captive audience.
101. Some areas are always more trouble than others. Put a transparent-plastic rug protector at the front entrance, if only in self-defense.
102. When a man walks in the house, he doesn’t necessarily care if it’s absolutely immaculate. What he wants is a few minutes’ peace and quiet to rest up. When he’s ready to “rejoin the family,” he’ll let you know.
103. We don’t mean that first impressions don’t make a difference. A general sense of disorder can ruin an entire evening.
104. Men rarely mention it, but most of them like growing plants and fresh flowers in a room.
105. It’s not very pleasant to make up to a messy house. Even when company stays late, you can empty and wash the ashtrays, rinse out coffee cups and glasses. And won’t you be glad you did!
106. The nights your husband is out, on business or with the boys, is heaven-sent time to catch up on your own duties. Or pursue your personal interests, such as sewing or reading.
107. A wonderfully thoughtful thing to do as you read: Mark or clip magazine or newspaper articles he’d be interested in. At an opportune time, draw them to his attention.
108. If your husband has a particular interest, you might try to develop an interest in it, too. Shared interests stimulate your minds, and help keep relationships close.
109. Never get so bogged down with the “mechanics of living” that you have no time to spare for fun. If he’s enthusiastic about golf, let the dishes go and get our your clubs. Who cares if your game isn’t too great?
110. He may, on the other hand, be one of those men who’d rather play golf or bowl with his man friends. That, we’d say, is prerogative — just as changing your mind is yours.
111. Business trips out of town are probably not his idea of pleasure — or yours either. Rise above personal feelings, pack his bag cheerfully and give him a smiling send-off.
112. Get all the enjoyment you can out of that long-awaited vacation by giving the matter a lot of serious thought. And plan to put some money aside, even if it’s only a little.
113. Make plans, too, to look your prettiest on vacation. This might be the perfect opportunity to wear clothes of a kind he rarely gets to see you in — short and sassy for the beach, a bit slinky for the evening.
114. You may want to consider a change in your hair; at least in its style, perhaps its color. Don’t do anything extreme that he’ll really dislike. But he’ll like the younger look that comes from enriching your natural shade with a long-lasting rinse.
115. Even if you already wear some eye makeup, why not “try on” some more dramatic effects? In advance, of course, so you can be sure you like the result, and can wear it with assurance when the time comes.
116. If you’ve been following the lipstick trends in GH, you know the new shades are bolder. Make it last, apply fine-grained baby powder, then lipstick.
117. Make a conscious effort to stand straight and proud, whether you’re small of stature or naturally tall. Elegant posture is a feminine asset all men admire and every woman can have.
118. If your figure’s not quite what you’d like it to be, now’s the time to start doing something about it. Keep at it, and you’ll see and feel results in a few weeks.
119. Catnap-substitutes: Dust feet liberally with talcum, change shoes and heel heights. Brush hair briskly before styling. Stretch away the kinks every chance you get.
120. When you return from your vacation, may you be rejuvenated, refreshed and ready for anything! But don’t be surprised if you’re glad and grateful to be home. Enjoy it!
— you can further form your relationship and develop your personal association. You will both advantage from your part as Ms. Fix-It!
