The Washington herald., 1914-04-19
Little Attentions That Make
For 4 COntented Family

Contentment is the characteristic OF the
really successful home.
A certain spirit of complacency that
pervades some homes is not conducive
to success of any sort. It is deadening.
and produces discomfort.
But the home which so meets the needs
of each of its members that they are sat
isfied is the home wherein true content
ment reigns; and that is the home that
is successful, from all the standards by
which homes are judged.
This home has just saved me-" re-
marked a young business man who had
fought his way against big odds from
house-to-house salesman to that of mana
ger of big concern. IF it hadn't been
for the comfort of staying here and be-
ing treated like one Of the family, and at
the same time having liberty to do things
the way like TO, l should have married
the first girl who came along. with a big
chance that both of us would have been
miserable for the rest of our lives"
In this little speech lies the keynote to
successful family life and the ever-widen-
ing influence which 1t exerts To have
always an air of affection and interest
about the home and still to have each
member OF the household consider the
rights of every other member. results in
an ideal circle of people to whom life is
a constantly increasing JOY, and who are
always able to meet the world with a
smile.
Nor is this ideal state Of affairs such an
impossible one to attain. 1t is accomp-
lished by paying attention to the little
courtesies and kindnesses OF everyday
life. no one of which is too small to be
overlooked by any one person. And this
is true in a small family as in a large
ono. in narrow quarters as in spacious
apartments. There must be thoughtful
ness on the part OF all and a general de-
sire not TO interfere in a curious way
with the going and coming of any of the
others.
With husband and wife the very first
harmonies arc established by a wife's
doing everything in her power TO aid her
husband in carrying out his work. center
ing her interests in helping him to he
successful rather than in outside mat
tiers which do not in any way connect
themselves with the foundation of every
real home-the money which keeps the
tUre makers bills paid. In these days
OF strenuous grabbing for the powerful
dollar. all the working and business mems
energies are obliged to be fostered for
business life. and a wife has an infinite
number of little ways in which to render
service to him.
Unimportant as it may seem, the break
fast hour is a very decisive time Of day.
and a wife should respect it as such by
not bringing up household or social cares.
These should always be discussed after
and not before the days work. which
occupies a mans best thoughts during
early morning hours. Sorrows and petty
grievances have to he laid aside as the
new dav breaks, and cheerfuness must
be the watchword of the breakfast table
Nor is it we'll to talk too much, for
nothing dissipates strength more than
talking. and many a man has failed in
business life quite as much through the
effects of his wifes incessant gable as
from his own woTdy delays.
Another little attention which counts
much in making a man appreciate his
home is to be always at his command
when he has unusual duties to perform.
If there is a special piece of business that
has to be attended TO early in the morn
ing. a wife should be up herself, too. to
make sure that his breakfast is served
hot and appetizingly. Or when the order
is reversed and he comes in late. glass
of milk and some dainty left from din