20 Old-Timey Relationship Tips

TL;DR

Old-timey relationship advice from the 1920s and beyond emphasizes avoiding being a sexual vampire and managing relationships with in-laws.

Transcript

did you know that in the 1920s one doctor compared women who really loved sex to vampires in his 1922 book happiness and marriage dr william josephus robinson doled out all kinds of advice for how women could keep their husbands happy being quote unquote frigid was a bad thing obviously but somewhat surprisingly swinging too far in the opposite dir... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤕 Old-timey advice for finding a partner emphasized similarities in age, class status, and disposition.
• 🥰 Expressing love was considered potentially harmful, and women were advised to avoid using the word.
• 🙈 Sexual vampirism was seen as detrimental to both physical and financial well-being.
• 👋 Maintaining good relations with in-laws was essential for a harmonious family life.
• 🙅‍♀️ Women were encouraged to be good cooks and not to complain about their husbands' work.
• ❓ Forgiveness was often advocated for instances of infidelity, with the belief that it could strengthen the relationship.
• 🙈 Living with in-laws was seen as a potential source of conflict and should be avoided.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Dr. William Josephus Robinson compare women pursuing excessive sexual satisfaction to vampires?

Dr. Robinson believed that women who were overly sexually active could drain their partner's life force and vitality, leading to potential harm and exhaustion for the husband.

Q: What were some common recommendations for finding a suitable partner in old-timey advice?

Old-timey advice suggested finding someone similar in age, class status, and disposition. Platonic friends and smooth talkers were warned against as potential poor matches.

Q: Why were women advised to avoid using the word "love"?

According to old-timey advice, expressing love could be harmful in the long run, leading to emotional damage. It was recommended to avoid the word to prevent potential heartbreak.

Q: Why did old-timey advice focus more on women than men?

The majority of romantic advice in old-timey content was targeted towards women, reflecting the societal norms and expectations of the time. There were, however, some books aimed at men as well.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In the 1920s, Dr. William Josephus Robinson warned against women pursuing excessive sexual satisfaction, comparing them to vampires who drain the life force of their partners.

• Old-timey advice for finding a partner focused on finding someone similar in disposition, age, and class status, while avoiding platonic friends and smooth talkers.

• Books from the 18th and 19th centuries advised women to avoid using the word "love" and to be cautious of men who exaggerate their affection or make dramatic vows.