Good Wife's Guide...Then

Good Wife's Guide...Now

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An updated version of "The Good Wife's Guide"...for the Women of today.

• Have dinner ready. Make reservations ahead of time. If your day becomes too hectic just leave him a voice mail message regarding where you'd like to eat and at what time. This lets him know that your day has been crappy and gives him an opportunity to change your mood

• Prepare yourself. Stopping at the "Chanel" counter on your way home will do wonders for your outlook and will keep you from becoming irritated every time he opens his mouth. (Don't forget to use his credit card.)

• Clear away the clutter. Call the housekeeper and tell her that any miscellaneous items left on the floor by the children can be placed in the Goodwill box in the garage.

• Prepare the children. Send the children to their rooms to watch television or play video games. After all, both of them are from his previous marriages.

• Minimize the noise. If you happen to be home when he arrives, be in the bathroom with the door locked.

Some DON'TS:

• Don't greet him with problems and complaints. Let him speak first, and then your complaints will get more attention and remain fresh in his mind throughout dinner.

• Don't complain if he's late for dinner, simply remind him that the leftovers are in the fridge and you left the dishes for him to do.

• Make him comfortable. Tell him where he can find a blanket if he's cold. This will really show you care.

• Listen to him. But don't ever let him get the last word.

• Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or other places of entertainment; go out with a friend or go shopping (don't forget to use his credit card). Familiarize him with the phrase "Girls' Night Out!"

• The Goal: try to keep things amicable without reminding him that he only thinks the world revolves around him. Obviously he's wrong. The world revolves around you.