Marriage Advice from the 1870's

As a "something extra" gift this Christmas, my godmother gave me an adorable little book called Brides Companion, by Susannah Marriott. It's full of poems and quotes and traditions, with a few DIY ideas mixed in. I'm going to use it for inspiration when designing our ceremony programs and wedding favors in a few months. As I was flipping through it, I came across the following passage, which cracked me up (you have to read all the way to the end), so I had to share it here!

How To Avoid a Bad Husband
(from A True Friend, American etiquette manual, published in the 1870's)

• Never marry for wealth.
• Never marry a fop, or one who struts about dandy-like, in his silk gloves and ruffles, with a silvered cane and rings on his fingers.
• Never marry a stranger, or one whose character is not known or tested.
• Never marry a man who treats his mother or sister unkindly or indifferently.
• Never, on any account, marry a gambler or a profane person.
• Never marry a man who is addicted to the use of ardent spirits.
• Take an especial and seasonable care that your children shall not have an a*s for a father.

Some of this could still be considered decent advice today, right?!