Not sure if it is the lead up to Christmas that makes everyone slightly mushy but love is definitely in the air. There seem to be an increased number of engagement announcements in our circle of friends and family and celebrations are being held left, right and centre. A bottle of bubbly would be the obvious gift but personally I like to add something a little more imaginative into the mix.
Whilst spending the weekend at friends of ours I noticed their toddlers playing with these little books. They loved them, probably because they are pint-sized just like them. Intrigued by the title I took them to the guest room with me for some light bedtime reading at night and that was it, I couldn't stop and kept my hubby awake with my giggling.
Each book contains hundreds of snippets of entertaining advice, most so outdated and some so politically incorrect that it makes for a good chuckle, but there are also a good few that still ring true a hundred years later:
Don'ts for Husbands:
"Don't insist on giving holidays to the servants during your holiday on the ground that your wife can 'manage' at the seaside. You are not the only person to be considered, and it's no holiday for her to be tied to the children day in and day out while you go golfing or fishing. Probably she would like to golf or fish as well if she had the chance." (Servants? I wish!)
"Don't expect your wife to do all the cheering up while you do all the giving way when things go wrong. Share and share alike." (Hear, hear!)
"Don't forget to buy your wife a pair of gloves occasionally. She will always be pleased to have them." (Personally, I prefer something more liquid ...)
Don'ts for Wives:
"Don't forget to wish your husband good-morning when he sets off to the office. He will feel the lack of your good-bye kiss all day." (Immaculately dressed and coiffured I assume?)
"Don't say 'I told you so' to your husband, however much you feel tempted to. It does no good and he will be grateful to you for not saying it." (Not bad advice actually and still very applicable)
"Don't let him have to search the house for you. Listen for his latch-key and meet him on the threshold." (Needless to say with a glass of his favourite tipple. Those were the days ...)
I think these books make a fun little gift (for anyone who is happy to take the advice given with a pinch of salt and remembers that they were put to paper in 1913!) for engagements, weddings, anniversaries or just as stocking fillers for Christmas. You can buy them at Amazon for £3.15 each or you might be able to get them cheaper on Ebay. There seem to be a few of them around at any one time and prices vary depending on condition and seller. Check them out if you are in need of a little light entertainment and nostalgia, I really enjoyed picking through those pearls of wisdom.
Image source: Wikipedia
Please note: This post is not sponsored and I am not paid to endorse any products or services.
Please note: This post is not sponsored and I am not paid to endorse any products or services.
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