BORN HUSBANDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3830, 9 August 1927, Page 73

BORN HUSBANDS.

Good husbands are born, not made (says a writer in the Weekly Scotsman). In the early years of married life a wife can influence her husband and shape him, in some degree, to her will, but she cannot fashion him into a perfect partner unless Nature intended him for one.

1 know a young man who will make an ideal husband, for he was born to it. His one ambition, when he has the necessary means, is to get married, and lucky will be the girl of his choice. He has two marlied sisters, and the wav in which he manages their children is a revelation. When they cry or are fretful it is he, and not their mothers, who goes to them and rights their little grievances. He is kindiv and indulgent towards them, but they would never dream of playing tricks with him. With them his word is law.

Most modern husbands are helpful, but several, in spite of good intentions, manage to hinder rather than help. Thev are the “ made ” husbands, and try bow they will, thev score only a mild success in the little jobs that fall to the lot of every householder. The born husband, however, seems to excel in work of this kind. Without fuss and with commendable e.fticiencv he will do wireless repairs or put the electric bells in working order. Painters and plumbers have no terrors for him—he seldom needs their services. What is the born husband like? On the surface he is no different from other men. It is his manner rather than his appearance that contributes to his success. He is coo] and even-tempered and polite to his women folk. Appreciative of everybody’s good points, he will find excuses for their weaknesses.

There is nothing nriggish or affected about him. In everything lie does he is open ami above? board : he radiates sincerity. That is whv all children like and respect him. He is a good, plain, average man, but this elusive capacitv for husbandshin marks him out from bis fellows. The born husband finds his counterpart in the born mother, and everyone holies when they meet that thev will marry. For in both are those sterling qualities of nurture and helpfulness, patience and solicitude, which go far towards making the tie a happy and enduring one. Self, the great enemy of so many marriages of to-day, is made to sink beneath the flooding waters of tenderness and mutual interest. and busband and wife are content to seek, and find, fulfilment in the other