2190 Hints for Wives

If your husband occasionally looks a little troubled when he comes home, do not say to him, with an alarmed countenance, "What ails you, my dear?" Don't bother him; he will tell you of his own accord, if need be. Be observant and quiet. Let him alone until he is inclined to talk, take up your book or your needlework pleasantly and cheerfully; wait until he is inclined to be sociable. Don't let him ever find a shirt button missing. A shirt button being off a collar or wristband has frequently produced the first impatient word in married life.

Enquire Within About Everything (1885) p.304

Well there it is, what a very useful hint for a wife! I am sure that most women reading this today will be relieved that now they know exactly what to do when the old man returns in a foul mood. How on earth did we ever loose sight of such useful and pertinent guidance towards a trouble free marriage! Just get your zaqqack out and sit there quietly being subserviant, there's a good little woman!!!!

This just has to be the book for you! Decorative Victorian Needlework: Over 25 Charted Designs by Elizabeth Bradley has to be a must. Leaving the humour aside, this is a fine work with some very interesting techniques. May I suggest that you buy a copy for your husband!!!!