HUSBANDS ANN HOW TO MANAGE THEM

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5008, 4 July 1903, Page 7 (Supplement)

HUSBANDS ANN HOW TO MANAGE THEM

An excellent proverb of Russia runs to tho effect that in the relations of* two persons—and it is more thuo when one is a man amd tho other a woman—“one kisses, the other turns tho cheek/* A too-adoring wife—or a wife who shows hoi* love zoo much—is very apt to produce a selfish husband—a man who is “never satisfied,” Thus, ouib of the very wealth of her love, sho proceeds to manufacture a selfish man 1 “Bub mustn’t wo show people that wo love them?” asks the adoring little woman .despairingly. Yes, of course you may, my dear, and if you do it wisely you will lift up and improve those to whom you give your heart and devotion. '

But all human things are fallible. Therefore, you must temper your love with discretion and wise, far-seeing discrimination. Do not “spoil” your husband. Dq not allow the love which ought to be tho guiding star of his life, which should ho a stepping stone of higher things, make him into a selfish, exacting, fasilt-finding parson. It is common enough. A wife often, eboomes selfish because of her husband's great love. A man who started marriage with only a normal average share of masculine selfishness is frequently transformed during the first year of matrimony into an impatient, inconsiderate man, who is always demanding, never giving. 'Tm sure I do my vary best,” sighs disheartened Mr a Smith. “AH day I work my fingers to the bone trying to get everything nice, and the dinner perfect, so that Tom won’t have anything bo complain about .But it doesn’t seem to he any good.' A saint couldn't satisfy him t” Which is perfectly true; because the saint, most probably, would not have that spice of worldly common sense which, is absolutely necessary if we want to “got on with” the contradictory elements which constitute the average mortal. A little wholesome “letting alone,”- and not .worrying so much, would probably be the best tonio Tom could have. He is suffering from tho early symptoms of “tyrant.” If he discovers that you are awed before .the majesty of his criticism, he will be puffed up with an unduo sense of his importance. By. all means try bo have everything in tho home-life as perfect as possible. .But do nob let him think that it is all done for has sake—done lest be might complain .

'T never go away from home for a day without Tom, lest he might nob be so comfortable. , Pm sure he would feel terribly neglected if I wen* off on a visit enjoying myself, while I left him to the tender mercies of. the servant,” continued Mrs Smith. “But there’s no satisfying him.”

It would be the finest thing in the world for Tom if he were made to feel “neglected” for a bit, while Ms wife enjoyed herself elsewhere.

If wo have an “angel in the house” we_ are too apt to he unaware of the privilege. Absence makes us miss her. Tom would think a great deal more of his wife if She were not always on the spot when he wanted her.