When reflecting on the status of a marriage or long-term partnership, many might ponder: Are we truly happy? Is our relationship flourishing? Are we fulfilling each other’s needs while respecting our own? But instead of engaging with these thoughtful questions, why not evaluate yourself against some outdated, absurd, and downright sexist criteria from the past?
Presenting the 1939 Marital Rating Scale, conceived by Dr. George W. Crane, which offers a glimpse into the ludicrous standards of that era. This scale is essentially a collection of hilariously misguided expectations that make you wonder how anyone survived marriage in the 1930s.
Each item on this scale scores a point unless specified otherwise. So, for every “merit,” you earn a point, and for every “demerit,” you lose one. Let’s dive into some of these amusing metrics, shall we?
Let’s start with the demerits.
Because apparently, wives back then were graded like schoolchildren.
- She doesn’t enjoy children. Let’s be real; even the most devoted mothers sometimes find it challenging to like their kids! We adore them but let’s face it—there are days when they drive us up the wall.
- She neglects sewing buttons or mending socks. Honestly, who has time for that? The term “darning” has become a part of our vocabulary only when we’re trying to avoid swearing in front of the kids.
- She paints her nails red. Yes, please! But only if it comes with a luxurious spa experience while someone else wrangles the kids.
- She’s habitually late. Well, when you’re juggling children and a partner, punctuality takes a backseat!
- She wears dirty and torn clothing at home. With little ones around, everything we own is bound to get messy. Our clothes often bear the marks of their adventures!
Now, let’s check out some of the so-called “merits.”
Spoiler alert: modern moms might not fare much better.
- She’s a gracious hostess, even for surprise visitors. If it’s not the pizza delivery guy, we’re likely hiding from the doorbell!
- She allows her partner to sleep in on weekends and holidays, never going to bed upset. Cue the eye rolls!
- She keeps her home spotless. A tidy house with kids? That’s a laugh! Cleaning while parenting is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos—nearly impossible!
- She serves meals punctually. Oh, if only that were true! We’re often just happy if dinner is even a thing.
- She dresses for breakfast. If “dressing” means wearing yesterday’s yoga pants and “breakfast” means cold coffee, then we might just be winning at this one!
In the end, it’s clear that this 1930s scale is more a reflection of its time than of real partnership dynamics today. If you’re interested in exploring more about family planning and home insemination, check out this helpful resource on home insemination. For couples navigating their fertility journey, Make A Mom offers insightful guidelines. Additionally, if you’re looking for pregnancy week-by-week tips, March of Dimes is an excellent resource.
Summary
The 1939 Marital Rating Scale reflects outdated and absurd standards for wives that are laughably irrelevant today. While it’s entertaining to look back at such ridiculous criteria, today’s relationships thrive on mutual respect and understanding. And as we navigate modern parenthood and partnerships, resources like those mentioned can provide valuable insights into family planning.