How to Keep Your Wife in Love with You
Tucson Dating & Marriage Advice Circa 1950

It is annoying to spend long months training a wife only to have her leave you for another. You may believe that any sensible woman would want to stay with you for her own good. This is not always the case. Women are creatures of emotion, seldom making their decisions as we men do, on the basis of reason and logic.

Remember, too, that the wife who loves you is harder working, more efficient, and more cheerful. Make sure that she does. You will be surprised how easy it is.

"MUST I LOVE HER, TOO?"
Leave the gentle emotions to others. To keep your wife firmly in hand, and soundly in love with you, you must act clearly, dispassionately, and logically—something few men can do when their minds are confused with passion or softened by sentimentality. If you love, unwisely and too well, you may be startled—as so many are—to find that your wife has deserted you for another, less confused male. In short, have a clear head, a firm hand, and a cool heart

BE SEXY

Though love is not necessary, sex has a place in every marriage. The subtle distinctions between love and sex we will leave to other, more incisive pens, and get on to the prac­tical instruction.

IT IS YOUR MIND THAT MATTERS

The trim, hard-muscled physique is a fine asset, to be sure, but in sex it is the mind that really matters. The physical aspects are childishly simple and can be mastered by any schoolboy. They are far less difficult to perfect than, say, a good approach shot, or a serviceable backhand. The brainwork, the strategy and tactics, are not so sim­ple, and it is here that real competence is developed, here where the men are separated from the boys.

BE CONFIDENT

The man who is relaxed and confident has won half the battle. You must never doubt that you are the most desirable man in the world. This idea will seem ludicrous to you at first, but keep at it. Millions of men have accepted it easily, and so can you. Give her the impression that she is lucky to be with you, that you are, somehow, doing her a favor, and that it cannot last.

FLATTER HER

The object of really skillful flattery is to show that you do appreciate her and that in fact she almost comes up to your exacting standards. In short, create the impression that she is probably the most desirable girl in the world—but that you haven't quite stopped looking. Flatter a woman only on her good points. She will know what they are, and it must be assumed that by this time so will you. A woman with good eyes, hair, breasts, or legs will know it, and can easily swallow the statement that they are the most beautiful in the world.

A word of caution, however, uncontrolled flattery is bad, can backfire and make a woman feel she is too good for you. Controlled flattery not only preserves the right balance, but also can lead to self-improvement.
"Your legs are lovely, dear. Probably the best in the country—below the knees."
"What's the matter with above the knees, Davie?"
"Did I say anything was the matter, Phoeb?"
"Davie, don't you dare leave me hanging here cut off at the knees! If my hips are too fat, say so!"
(Deep in her heart every woman knows her own shortcomings.)
"You said so, sweet, not I. I like you just the way you are."
(This is always an excellent phrase. It shows toler­ance, affection, and good nature—yet subtly implies there is room for improvement.)

Often you will find you have planted a seed. Watch it grow.

"David, I haven't eaten anything but black coffee and grapefruit for three weeks. Now how are my legs?"
"Lovely, dear, lovely."
(Every nice word helps.)
"Above the knees, David!"
"Lovely, Phoeb! Pretty soon now I bet we'll notice a real improvement in our little girl!"
(Encourage and inspire, but never overdo it.)

BE BOYISH

Though in most civilized countries maturity is the key­note to sex, in the United States the opposite is true. Here you will succeed best by ‘Being a Little Boy’. Stay figuratively in knee pants and you will be loved deeply and well. Call your wife "Mom" from time to time. She will accept this as a healthy, affectionate, Amer­ican gesture, and will love you all the more. In fact, there are times when this is the only safe approach.
"David, what's this powder and lipstick on your handkerchief?"
"Must be yours, Phoeb."
"David, this is not my perfume, and not my shade."
(All escape seems to be cut off. But wait!)
"Well, gosh, Mom, I might a been a naughty boy, but I couldn't help it, honest. This great big gal at the office just picked up your little guy and before he could say 'Put me down!' she gave him a great big bunny hug!"
(Note the use of the third person, too. This is effec­tive in such cases, since it almost creates the impression it was somebody else.)

BE AFFECTIONATE

You can be affectionate either (1) boyishly, as above, or (2) doggishly, which many say is even better. Dog-like affection should be just a bit clumsy and overeager, like a cocker spaniel wagging its tail. This is best when accompanied by an over-all shaggy appear­ance, obtained not only by tweedy clothes, but also by keep­ing the hair mussed and just a little too long, and particu­larly by assuming a shaggy expression. This takes prac­tice, but is well worth the effort.

The lopsided smile plays a part here, but you are striv­ing for more than that. The shaggy expression cannot, many argue, simply be assumed, it must be lived. It is, they say, a way of life—and a fine one, too.