We have plenty of readers of both sexes

OUR research shows that we have plenty of readers of both sexes. (I'm assuming there are still only two to choose from). We do not show any gender bias in our editorial, because we have none. Just occasionally, though, we like to offer those of our readers who are members of the so-called fairer sex some well-intentioned advice. So here is some.

"Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return from work. Prepare yourself. Take fifteen minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking.

"Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dust cloth over the tables. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

"Minimise all noise. Listen to him. Let him talk first. Remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

"Don't complain if he's late home for dinner, or even stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

"Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Arrange the pillows and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

"Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and integrity."

This invaluable advice to "good wives" is taken from a home economics textbook, sent to us by a maritime lawyer. Just run some of it past the likes of Seyma Inal, or Alison Shaw-Lloyd, or Loyola de Palacio, who feature in the pages of this issue of the Advocate. You don't have to be a member of WISTA to guess what the reaction might be.

The book was published in the early 1960s. Strange to think that, less than forty years ago, we would have been expected to find it useful, rather than hilarious. In some respects, the world has changed for the better.

Georgina Noakes