How to be Happy Though Married

by Old House Books (Contributor)

This pocket handbook of matrimonial guidance brings together the wisdom imparted to newlyweds throughout the ages. From the advice of Ancient Greek philosophers (e.g. keep your wife under control by stealing her shoes - she will never leave the house) to Edwardian musings on appropriate behavior in the marital bed and beyond, this gift book offers a fascinating and humorous survey of the pleasures and pains of married life.

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

"There is nothing more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends."
~Homer, The Odyssey, c. 8th century BC~

"Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. Second marriage is the triumph of hope over experience."
~Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)~

I've been married forever almost twenty-five years. (Yeah, I know. I already used that line in a review.) Yep. I've spent almost half my life with just one person. Marriage is undoubtedly the best of times and the worst of times. There are ups and downs, ins and outs (tee-hee!), good days, bad days and days when I think I'll go mad with boredom.

There are times when his annoying habits make me want to punch his fat face in, and I'm sure there are times when my charming quirks make him want to do the same to my thinner, more appealing face. BUT, then there are times, one time in particular . . .

Spring was coming on strong after a truly harsh winter. My hubby and I drove over a bridge and we both noticed the ice breaking up on the river. We turned to each other and simultaneously said, "What was that book we read about how the noise of the ice breaking up drove the town's residents nuts?" (It was If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: News from Small-Town Alaska) At times like that, there's no doubt we did the right thing all those years ago. Petty annoyances aren't that annoying when you're with someone who gets you. Boredom and bad moods don't seem to matter all that much when you're with someone who not only presses all the right buttons, he presses them in just the right order.

Oh, right. You wanna know about this book. It's one of those small little gift books that brick-and-mortar book stores where fond of placing near the cash wrap w-a-y back in the olden days. It includes three thousand years worth of matrimonial advice, from Plutarch to that stud muffin Lyndon B. Johnson. There are a few chuckles to be had and some charming vintage artwork. Heed some of the suggestions at your own risk. Except this one. This one's a good one to keep in mind . . .

"It is doubtful if there's anything more destructive to romance than soiled underwear or body odor."
~Successful Marriage, 1947~

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

hilarious collection of quotes!