I was at secondary school in the '60s. In those days there wasn't much in the way of sex education. We were shown a video which mainly featured rabbits with some brief explanation of how this related to humans, which left most of us totally puzzled! (I wrote about this HERE.)
There was not even a nod towards equality between the sexes when it came to marriage. The man was in charge. End of.
This is an actual mind-boggling extract from a sex education school textbook for girls, printed in the early 60s in the UK:
When retiring to the bedroom, prepare yourself for bed as promptly as possible. Whilst feminine hygiene is of the utmost importance, your tired husband does not want to queue for the bathroom, as he would have to do for his train. But remember to look your best when going to bed. Try to achieve a look that is welcoming without being obvious. If you need to apply face-cream or hair-rollers wait until he is asleep as this can be shocking to a man last thing at night.
When it comes to the possibility of intimate relations with your husband it is important to remember your marriage vows and in particular your commitment to obey him. If he feels that he needs to sleep immediately then so be it. In all things be led by your husband's wishes; do not pressure him in any way to stimulate intimacy.
Should your husband suggest congress then agree humbly all the while being mindful that a man's satisfaction is more important than a woman's. When he reaches his moment of fulfilment a small moan from yourself is encouraging to him and quite sufficient to indicate any enjoyment that you may have had.
Should your husband suggest any of the more unusual practices be obedient and uncomplaining but register any reluctance by remaining silent. It is likely that your husband will then fall promptly asleep so adjust your clothing, freshen up and apply your night-time face and hair care products. You may then set the alarm so that you can arise shortly before him in the morning. This will enable you to have his morning cup of tea ready when he awakes.
Now, ladies. I suspect you have been disobeying some of these rules after retiring to the bedroom. Time to get back on the straight and narrow. After all, should your husband suggest congress you should agree humbly. Start practising those small moans to encourage him - don't forget this: Should your husband suggest congress then agree humbly all the while being mindful that a man's satisfaction is more important than a woman's.
How times have changed. At least, I hope they have!
That was as funny as it was horrifying. Sure glad we didn't have that book when I was in school. It actually encouraged faking it. Thank goodness things have changed. They have haven't they?:))
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Patti!
DeleteYeah, uh, no. Just no.
ReplyDeleteThere's a show called The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. The main character totally was done up at bedtime. Then after her husband fell asleep, she'd take off her makeup. She'd get up early to be ready. They were divorced before the end of season one. (The show is set in the '60s.)
I have watched this! It certainly was different times.
DeleteI've got some old etiquette books that write that way about the "marriage bed". Thank goodness times have changed in most households.
ReplyDeleteI bet those books are real eye-openers!
DeleteThis is what you were taught? I've read such books when I've found them at yard sales, but didn't believe such things were still taught, even in the 60's . I would have thought such ideas died long before.
ReplyDeleteThankfully we were never actually taught from that book. In fact our sex education was practically non-existent!
DeleteWonder what are the instructions for Men?
ReplyDeleteExactly! I think they were probably, do as you darn well please!
DeleteYikes! Glad I wasn't born until 1969.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, I didn't experience too much of that type of behaviour, although it was definitely a man's world when I was young.
DeleteGreat blog
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWow! A small moan... Ha! If I woke first during my prime I'd hit the 'snooze bar' before work (if you know what I mean). Hubby never complained. ;D
ReplyDeleteMore than one small moan then!!!
Delete~giggle~
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