The guides were addressed to ladies, but also to married women. They were given advice on how to take care of their home and appearance, how to deal with everyday duties, but also their passions. There were also sets of tips that were supposed to guarantee success in finding a husband. These today sound not only funny, but also sexist and absurd.
Advice for Polish women from the late 1960s. This is how a “modern woman” should behave
In the book “100 minutes for” Zofia Wędrowska not only how to look and how to dress, but also how to behave in order to “ensnare” a man. The advice was addressed to the “modern woman” and included advice on, among others: sleep hygiene or physical activity. However, it cannot be denied that many of them present views that perfectly reflect the atmosphere of the 1960s and 1970s.
A man is decorated with strength, not with a shaved beard and Satan’s charm. A woman, unfortunately, must be decorated with hair and teeth, a thin waist and arms (not to mention legs). It is a reliable weapon in the difficult and unequal everyday fight against one’s husband, one’s boss and other properties of the opposite sex
– says one of the pieces of advice. Readers also learn to smile more often, stand straight, lose excess weight from the hips, belly and buttocks, not to overdo it with mascara, do sports (except fishing, because it is a “typically male sport”) and not to use an umbrella. , because “rainwater acts on the skin like a cosmetic.” Sounds outrageous? 30 years earlier, women’s guides had an even wider catalog of valuable tips for women who wanted to find and keep a man.
“10 Commandments” for women from 1935. You will learn “how to tame a man”
In 1935, Geta Garbo (not to be confused with Greta Garbo) had advice not only for women, but also for married women in her guide. Did Geta really exist or was it a deliberate trick of the book’s publisher? This is not known. It is known, however, that the item contains the “10 Commandments”, which are quite interesting from today’s perspective. Virgos are advised not to be seduced because it may “break their whole life.” In general, it is recommended to exercise restraint in contacts with the opposite sex, refraining from flirting and flirting, and saving money so as not to “burden your partner’s budget too much.” Virgo should also avoid overusing powder, lipstick and other cosmetics.
Such women arouse disgust in men
– says the guide, citing women in “dirty underwear and dirty stockings” as an example. There were also life tips.
Every young lady should learn a trade so that she can earn a living for herself […]. A woman who wants to get married should be able to cook, even cook well and tasty. When a husband comes home tired and hungry after work, and his wife gives him tasty food, then his wife becomes distasteful too. […].
A woman is also supposed to “not talk too much”, take care of her teeth and give her husband the freedom to “have fun” once a week (and not ask any questions afterwards!). “A wife should treat her husband like a child”, look at him “with eyes full of love”, tolerate his weaknesses and, above all, should not be stubborn. All this will make the woman turn the man into a “slave”.
A guide for those who want to get married. In the 1990s, not only clothes and makeup were important
60 years later, however, guides for women had a slightly different catalog of advice and recommendations. Sherrie Schneider and Ellen Fein released a real bestseller in the 1990s, which was even advertised by the stars of the time. was published in 1995, but the authors believe that the advice is “up-to-date” even today. So what do they advise? Never call first, don’t talk too much, reply “4 hours late” and wait 30 minutes to reply to subsequent messages, always wear full makeup (even for running), long and short skirts and… lose weight. Is this advice sexist and discriminatory? Yes.
Remember that you dress for men, not for other women… We don’t want to look like boys
– advised the authors of the guide.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
