Summary

In "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands," Dr. Laura Schlessinger tackles a contentious topic with her signature no-nonsense style, challenging women to re-evaluate their roles in marriage and to actively cultivate a respectful and nurturing environment for their husbands. Schlessinger addresses the prevalent issues of disrespect, control, and unrealistic expectations that often plague modern marriages, arguing that many women are inadvertently undermining their relationships by prioritizing personal fulfillment and societal pressures over the needs of their spouses.

The book encourages women to recognize and appreciate the fundamental differences between men and women, urging them to embrace their femininity and to value the unique contributions that men bring to a marriage. Through real-life examples and anecdotes from her radio program, Dr. Laura illustrates how wives can create a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship by understanding and meeting their husbands' basic needs for respect, appreciation, and physical intimacy. She emphasizes the importance of creating a home where a man feels valued, needed, and admired, rather than criticized, controlled, or neglected.

Schlessinger delves into specific behaviors that can erode a marriage, such as nagging, complaining, and dismissing a husband's feelings, and offers practical advice on how to replace these destructive patterns with more positive and supportive actions. She stresses the significance of creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and admiration, where both partners feel valued and appreciated for their unique qualities and contributions. The book also explores the importance of maintaining physical intimacy in a marriage, challenging women to prioritize their husbands' sexual needs and to view sex as a means of fostering emotional connection and strengthening the marital bond.

"The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands" serves as a wake-up call to wives, urging them to take responsibility for the health and vitality of their marriages. By embracing their roles as nurturers and caregivers, and by actively cultivating a respectful and supportive environment for their husbands, women can create a more loving, fulfilling, and enduring partnership.