Eric & the Mrs.

Creating Mrs. Perfect.

Recently I have been forced to examine some of my values and goals after a few conversations with friends. It seems that my generation, mid-twenty something women have conflicting insights on what it means to be a "good wife". I recently read a quote that stated: "Not all married women are wives". On one hand you have the doting idea of a 1950's housewife who waits on her husband hand and foot and on the other you have independent homemaking women like Martha Stewart who are not married at all. I would like to argue, why can we not have both? I argue there is no conflict there other then trying to do everything all the time.

Now, I have been told, with great compliment to me that I have an "old soul". I value tradition and the security of marriage. I understand the art of sending a thank you card, of the special touch of gifts from the kitchen, and the skillful art of throwing a dinner party.
Recently, I have also been made aware of the fact that there are some women out there who think it's shameful for one reason or another to want to be a housewife. As if there was something wrong with loving to cook, clean, make a home and keep your husband happy. - This made me think.

When I was in college, I was a women's studies minor and we were given the following article to examine and of course discuss with much disgust from most of the women in the class:

I realize, it's hard to read so I will just sum it up. In this article (written by a women) it states the tips needed to be a perfect housewife in the 1950's. The article give points like, quite the noise, prepare the children, freshen up before he comes home, have dinner ready, don't bother him with questions about his day, ect. Laugh if you will but look at the divorce statistic compared to today. I think our lady below here was onto something:

Yes. I'll admit, she looks miserable... (and yes, I know it's a cartoon).

The invention of the two income household may not have ruined it for us. I will admit, I do love having a career and something to talk to my husband about other then his day. I am very serious about my own career and ambitions. - And it goes with out saying that my financial contributions are needed, as they are all across America. However, the success of my marriage will come from my appreciating my home for what it is. The modern day woman superhero doesnt wear a cape and thigh high boots - she wears an apron with a business suit underneath. Her weapons are a blackberry and a skillet.

Next time you see a photo like this, don't judge it. This women is probably baking Thanksgiving pie, while setting her hair for work, heading to the office for 8 hours and finshing the holiday meal when she comes home at 5, only to clean and tidy the house, set the table, and prepare the guest room for her guests the next day all the while her husband relaxes with the martini she made him - and she takes great pride in that, so no need for you to feel sorry for her. Her husband appreciates her contribution, her family adores her values, her friends admire her tact and her boss just gave her a promotion with a big fat raise. WE really can have it all!

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Eric Anthony Luna