HUSBANDS, WIVES: Know your place.

Thanks to The Huffington Post for reminding us of the comprehensive – if completely outdated – ‘scientific’ test put together by US psychologist George W. Crane in 1939 to test a couple’s compatibility.

The test was republished and analysed in 2008 by the American Psychological Association but it’s always worth a read. Those of a sensitive nature may wish not to read further; among the ‘demerits’ listed for wives is:

• Doesn’t like children
• Wears red nail polish
• Puts her cold feet on husband at night to warm them

‘Merits’ a wife might have include:

• Lets husband sleep late on Sunday and holidays
• Has meals on time
• Can play a musical instrument, as piano, violin, etc.

Not that husbands escape the general sweep of the sexist brush. His ‘demerits’ can include:

• Fails to come to table promptly when meal is ready
• Leaves dresser drawers open
• Snores

A husband’s ‘merits’ can include:

• Leaves car for wife on days she may need it
• Frequently compliments wife re. looks, cooking, housekeeping, etc.
• Courteous to wife’s friends.

We’re saying nothing. See part of the test sheets for yourself: