The Adventure of Being a Wife

by Ruth Stafford Peale

none

Genres: Memoir

Unbound

First published May 12, 1976

Reviews

[Jayne Winterkorn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up in a little free library a bit after I got engaged and thought, "Haha I should read this when I get married!" I punked myself.

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on strengthening your role as a wife.
Thoughts from the book:
-Study your man, likes, dislikes, strengths, weakness, moods, mannerisms - you have to know him.
-No task is as difficult as a wife's but rewards are tremendous
-The way a man feels about a women depends on the way she makes him feel.
-Husbands needs should take presidents-participate in his activities (golf, running, tennis)
-Mini honeymoons 4x a year
-Stop thinking of your in-laws as special breeds and think of them as humans with flaws but loveable
-Be willing to let go of your children, don't give unsolicited advice-bite your tongue.
-Praise daughter in law often
-Who am I to say I am right and they are wrong?
-You can't force anyone to be your friend, you can't bark orders
-Use persuasion 1)timing 2) make him see whats in it for him 3)create loving atmosphere 4)plant seed and wait
-If you want a man to keep loving you appreciate him and let him know you do.
-If you want success 1) set a goal 2)pray 3) picture yourself obtaining it 4) let it sink in 5) never give up.
-Don't brook about the past or worry about the future, time is on your side it will heal wounds
-Preoccupation with self is the enemy of happiness
-You can never change objectionable or undesirable characteristics in your husband by frontal assault. Angry accusations only make matters worse. The only approach is rational discussions in moments of calmness or quiet appeal of helpfulness.
-Friends and lovers when balance is achieved and survives storms and stress, nothing in the world brings so much happiness
-Love your chlldren, trust them, be honest with them. Talk to them listen to them, pray for them, be with them. Give a framework of discipline, security.
-Religion - stop arguing about it and start living it.

[Pbwritr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good, actually. Although written in 1971, and essentially still a proponent of the 50s wife in the home, lots of great vignettes about people who asked advice of her and her husband, as well as interesting trips around the world.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend gave this book to me as a joke when I went to Ricks after high school and I held onto it. When I got married I read it and I really liked it.

[Kierstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little embarrassed to say how much I like this book. I read it right after getting married (who knows where I even got it) and found it so enlightening and full of good advice on how to build a relationship. I reread it often enough the cover fell off. Yes, it’s extremely dated and upholds a lot of very sexist and conservative ideals but if you read everything holding that context in mind, it does hold a lot of wisdom on how to be a thoughtful partner. A few of the things are right out of modern therapist speak, like when she says to be like blotting paper, which is basically “holding space” for the other person.
Anyway, I DO NOT recommend anyone else read this book but I liked it.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It reminded me of how different men and women are in their roles on this earth. When each fulfills their calling, things work out. Some may think that Mrs. Peale is not up with the times, but I think that's why we have so many problems in our marriages. It's because we as women are trying to take on our husband's role and are not as willing to do our own. Then we become off balance. There was also much good council about raising children which I really appreciated as well. Many things I already know about husband wife relationships but it was a reminder to me again of how critical they are in our day and age where the marriages and families are falling apart.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually own two copies of this book, and would not part with it except to loan... It's awesome. I love to read about marriage from someone who has had an awesome marriage to a wonderful, fine, upstanding man. The Peales know what they stand for and they live it, joyfully!

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very old-fashioned, 50's style wife-type of perspective, but still pretty relevant and true advice overall that can be useful today. Lots of common sense, even if it is a bit sugary in parts. Definitely worth reading.

[Karen Falck · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a liberal-minded person, I had expected this book to be anti-feminist and started reading it as a joke (to me, I know it's not supposed to be funny!). I was completely wrong. Keep an open mind and there are some great gems that apply to all relationships and life in general.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom gave me this book for Christmas. It's out of print but a very fun read. It's like having a conversation with a friend with great stories and advice applicable to all relationships.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me a much needed attitude adjustment!

[April H. S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very much looking forward to reading this. I received it as a wedding gift - from a woman who I greatly admire - when I got married (June 2011).

[Jerome Kuseh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of my mom's books. I read it because I had already read everything I could get my hands on at the time. I was too young to fully understand what I read but I enjoyed reading it, I think.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun!

[Fahd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book