Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Spain -Guidelines on how to be good wife in the Franco era

Translated excerpts from the "Female Section" of a Spanish Falange Manual (edited 1958) which was used as a text in universities for the teaching of Home Ecomonics

Always have ready a delicious meal for when he arrives home from work. His favourite dish would be appropriate. Offer to take off his shoes and speak in low , pleasant tones.

Prepare yourself: Touch up your make-up and put a ribbon in your hair. Make yourself a little more interesting for him. His long work day may need some cheering up which is one of your core duties.

During colder days you should light a fire so that he can relax in front of it. Afterall, caring for his comfort will give you immense personal satisfaction.

Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival home eliminate all washing machine or vacuum cleaner sounds. Greet him with a warm smile and show that his comfort is your prime concern. Listen to him, let him speak first, bearing in mind that his topics of conversation are more important than yours. Never complain if he arrives late, if he goes out to dinner or other enjoyable places without you. Instead try to understand his world of stress and his real needs. Try make him feel at home in an armchair. Have a hot or cold drink ready for him. Never ask him to explain his actions or question his integrity. He is the man of the house.

Encourage your husband to pursue his interests and support him without being excessively pushy. If you have any interests of your own try not to bore him with them, as female interests are very trivial compared to those of the male. At the end of the evening clean the house so that it is in good order the following morning. Always foresee what your husband might require the next day. The breakfast is vital so that your he can confront the world in a positive manner.

Once you have both retired to the bedroom, prepare yourself for bed as soon as possible not forgetting that while female hygiene is of maximum importance, your husband does not want to have to wait to use the bathroom. Remember that you must look impeccable. If you need to use facial cream or hair rollers you should wait until he is asleep as they might be off-putting for a man at this late hour. With regard to intimate relations with your husband it is important to remember your matrimonial obligations. If he desires to sleep, let it be so and to not try to stimulate intimacy. If your husband suggest union, then submit humbly taking into account that his satisfaction is more important than that of the woman. When he reaches the moment of climax, a small groan on your part is sufficient to indicate that it has been enjoyable for you. If your husband requests unusual sex, be obedient and do not complain. It is most probable that your husband will then fall into a deep sleep, and so you can fix your clothes, freshen up and apply your facial cream and hair products. You can should then set the alarm clock in order to get up a little earlier the following morning. This will enable you to have a cup of tea ready for when he awakes.



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