Marital Rating Scale from 1939
1939 was a LONG time ago. To give you an idea of how long ago, that's when 'The Wizard of Oz' hit theaters and shocked everyone with color in a film for the first time. That's also when Northwestern University's George W. Crane, Ph.D., and M.D. created a 'Marital Rating Scale.'
Crane, who ran a counseling practice and matchmaking service, tried helping couples by having husbands and wives rate each other in different areas. According to TheCut.com, he interviewed 600 husbands and 600 wives. "While the items thus represented an early attempt at a scientific method for assessing marriages, Crane conceded that the points he assigned to various items were based on his personal judgment." Each demerit and merit is worth one point unless otherwise specified in the chart.
This chart was released a few years ago, but it's making its rounds on social media again, so it's worth taking a look if you haven't already done so. Just wait until you get a load of the crap that is this scale! Definitely a sign of the times.
Demerits for Husband:
1. Stares at or flirts with other women while out with his wife. (5)
2. Reads newspaper at the table.
3. Fails to come to the table promptly when the meal is ready.
4. Brings guests home for meals without warning wife.
5. Doesn't phone when late for dinner.
6. Compares wife unfavorably with his mother or other wives. (5)
7. Publicly praises bachelor days and regrets having married.
8. Criticizes wife in public. (5)
9. Belches without apology, or blows nose at the table.
10. Leaves dresser drawers open.
11. Leaves shoes in the living room.
12. Snores.
Merits for Husband:
1. Gives wife ample allowance or turns paycheck over to her. (5)
2. Courteous to wife's friends.
3. Frequently compliments wife re looks, cooking, housekeeping, etc. (5)
4. Remembers birthdays, anniversaries, etc. (5)
5. Helps wife with dishes, caring for children, scrubbing.
6. Polite and mannerly even when alone with his wife.
7. Consults wife's opinions regarding business and social affairs.
8. Has a date with wife at least once per week. (5 per date)
9. Reads newspaper, books, or magazines aloud to wife.
10. A good conversationalist.
11. Steady worker and a good provider. (5)
12. Leaves car for the wife on days she may need it.
Demerits for Wife:
1. Slow in coming to bed—delays till husband is almost asleep.
2. Doesn't like children. (5)
3. Fails to sew on buttons or darn socks regularly.
4. Wears soiled or ragged dresses.
5. Wears red nail polish.
6. Often late for appointments. (5)
7. Seams in hose often crooked.
8. Goes to bed with curlers on her hair or much face cream.
9. Puts her cold feet on husband at night to warm them.
10. Is a back-seat driver.
11. Flirts with other men at parties or in restaurants. (5).
12. Is suspicious and jealous. (5)
Merits for Wife:
1. A good hostess - even to unexpected guests.
2. Has meals on time.
3. Can carry on an interesting conversation.
4. Can play a musical instrument, as piano, violin, etc.
5. Dresses for breakfast.
6. Neat housekeeper - tidy and clean.
7. Personally puts children to bed.
8. Never goes to bed angry, always makes up first. (5)
9. Asks husband's opinions regarding important decisions and purchases.
10. Good sense of humor - jolly and gay.
11. Religious - send children to church or Sunday school and goes herself. (10)
12. Lets husband sleep late on Sunday and holidays.
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