Happy families? Mom, dad and kids listen to the wireless in 1933.
Image: AP Photo
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Thanks to The Huffington Post for reminding us of the comprehensive – if completely outdated – ‘scientific’ test put together by US psychologist George W. Crane in 1939 to test a couple’s compatibility.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:
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