There are a lot of great things about the 1950s: Cars were cooler, people spent more time with their families, and things were just simpler.
But there are also certain elements that we seem to forget about, such as the awful way that marriage was “supposed” to be.
Mental Floss recently compiled absolutely terrible rules that women were supposed to follow in order to have a successful marriage. Not only are these offensive, but many of them are downright laughable!
Each of these tips from the ’50s comes straight from “marriage experts” of the time. They actually claimed that women should wear pink underwear to keep their husbands from straying!
One supposed expert, Dr. William Josephus Robinson, wrote, “Every woman should wear the best quality underwear that she can afford. And the color should be preferably pink.” Where was the guide telling men what type of underwear they should wear to keep their wives happy?
Scroll through for a look at these horrifying marriage tips. Do you remember any other ridiculous rules your mom felt she had to follow in the ’50s? Let us know in the comments.
1. A Smile Goes A Long Way
1950s wives were supposed to fake it til they make it. If you ask me, a husband should have to earn that smile with love and respect!
2. Keep Quiet
A wife was never supposed to challenge or question her husband. And she certainly shouldn’t cause him any aggravation, or he may just go looking for love elsewhere. No way this would fly nowadays!
3. Wear Pink Underwear
Not only were wives told to wear pink underwear, but they were supposed to be lacy and frilly ones as well. I wonder what kind of underwear husbands were supposed to wear — something tells me it was not too attractive.
4. Don’t Let The Kids Be Too Much Trouble
Kids will be kids — except when Dad is around. It was the wife’s job to keep them well-behaved. But women today know that parenting is supposed to be a shared responsibility.
5. Expert Cooking Will Keep Your Man Loyal
Worried your husband will leave you? Just cook better! This one probably made me laugh out loud most of all…
6. Put As Much Care Into Your Appearance As Dinner
And as if raising the kids and cooking the meals weren’t enough, a wife should, of course, look impeccable. Sounds reasonable. I mean, what wife doesn’t vacuum in her heels in anticipation of her husband coming home?
7. Don’t Be Too Sexual Or Too Prude
A wife’s sexuality was a delicate balancing act. Luckily, today’s women are free to express themselves however they choose.
8. Don’t Be Mad If He Goes Astray
Of course, if her husband did cheat, a wife was supposed to be forgiving. After all, every other “marriage rule” seemed to imply that it was her fault in the first place for driving him into the arms of someone else. Talk about misplaced blame!
9. Remember That The Man Is In Charge
And, last but not least, it was vital for both members of the marriage to recognize that the man ruled the house. If you ask me, there are plenty more houses today where women are running the show.
These marriage tips are truly horrifying, but something tells me the women of today would have a great big laugh if they were given these pieces of advice by an “expert.”
What other ridiculous marriage rules do you remember from the 1950s? What marriage tips would you give to men and women of today? Let us know in the comments and please Liked Video with anyone who might enjoy this hilarious and surprising trip down memory lane.
