Don'ts for Husbands

I loved reading this before giving it to my husband...if only he took the time to read it himself though 😂. Very little book but full of handy tips on how to be a good husband. Just need to make him read it now. 😂

I thought this to be just another novelty book but this teeny-tiny little book (only 7cm x 11,5cm in size! in inches 2.75" x 4.5") is full of GREAT tips, and not too outdated as one would imagine. Also this book is not filled with religious references as some of these type of books. I was so pleasently surprised when these arrived I'm regretting not ordering two of each: I ordered Don't for Husbands and also the one for Wives. These would make eg. a really fun wedding or anniversary present. Such small, cute and adorable books!

This book was written in 1913 and I at first expected it to be of the same kind as Sex Tips for Husbands and Wives from 1894 - a hillarious reminder of how different things used to be and how horrible in many ways. It turns out that either the author was much more enlightened here, or that the 20 years from 1894 to 1913 really brought about a dramatic shift in attitudes. The basic premise of the man as sole breadwinner and the wife as a stay at home mother is definitely still there and while most will find the advice on the use of servants a bit quaint and anachronistic, there is plenty of sound advice in this - something I wish more people would read seriously, rather than just for fun. The advice in here revolves around creating a more caring and comfortable relationship, based on mutual respect and trust. Some bits will still be funny (to refrain from dropping cigar ashes on carpets to improve the colouring being one such case) but overall the message is take care of your wife but do not, under any circumstances treat her as an immature dependent or maid. Luckily, the same message comes across in the companion book Don'ts for Wives , which really should be read by both parties as well.

I bought this book as part of a wedding present and bought the don'ts for wives too. It is a really funny read and a great gimmick present. The pages are very good quality and it is a nice little size. It is hard backed so doesn't damage easily in the post.

The principles may be presented in a dated way towards a specific class, but they are nevertheless timeless and true and would save many couples a great deal of trouble were they followed. A veteran wife gives good advice to husbands, as she did to wives in a companion volume, on how to maintain affection and respect in a marriage through all the varying challenges and demands of daily life. It may take a little creativity to adapt the scenarios to modern life, but with that small effort, a great deal of wisdom is on offer in a tiny book.

This little book is a hilarious read, the old fashioned advice is funny to hear but so true and relevant even today! Some quotes: 'Don't increase the necessary work of the house by leaving all your things lying about in different places. If you are not tidy by nature, at least be thoughtful for others.' 'Don't take it out on your poor wife every time you have a headache or a cold. It isn't her fault, and she has enough to do in nursing you, without having to put up will ill-humour into the bargain.' Enjoy, it is a light-hearted way to get across the woman's point of view!!

I bought this book for my husband (and the Don'ts for Wives for myself..only fair) and we had a great time reading each other little 'don'ts' from it. It was much smaller than I had realized but would make a great little gift for any husband or bride to be!

But it does say in the text...