She Must be Perfect and Accept Him for all His Failings

By Leslie Drollinger Stratmoen

For Flappers to Fringe

To marry a doctor in the 1920s, at least this particular one, required measuring up to a list of extraordinary qualifications. My inclination after reading this article would be to “run like hell” from this guy, but I’m afraid that would not have been the case for many a woman of the era. The norm, from my understanding, would have been to mold yourself into what the man wanted and live a life of unhappiness and insecurities for never measuring up.

The list appeared in Mrs. Wilcox’s Answers to Women column printed in the April issue of 1926. It was submitted in response to a woman seeking advice about what to do, saying she was engaged to a doctor and partly educated for the medical profession, against his will, desiring to complete her course and commence her career. 

Mrs. Wilcox prefaced the list by saying it was a “large assignment … so, “count your points and estimate your chances.”

Then Mrs. Wilcox asks, “Is the man reasonable in his requirements?” 

Here’s his submission. Give it a read and see what you think.

What I Want in the Girl I Marry 

1 – My ideal wife is the typical, intelligent, self-sacrificing mother.

2 – She must have a good physique, be good looking, have good health and must undergo a complete physical examination including thyroid, blood pressure and blood test.

3 – Her hair is preferred unbobbed and dark and her eyes blue.

4 – She must be educated. A high school education is required, a college preferred and a profession or occupation much desired. She must be broad-minded, sensible, refined in manners and language, lovable and affectionate but not silly. Also, she must be able to cook and sew well.

5 – She should be able to play the piano and sing reasonably well; a lover of life, books and children, with a keen regard for the social conditions of the human race. She must appreciate the arts of photography, painting, sculpture and dancing.

6 – She must care about the outdoors; I do. Must take an interest in tennis, swimming, walking and riding, but mustn’t think these are all there is in life.

7 – She must believe in s Supreme Being and have the same religious views as I have.

8 – She must be tactful, tasteful and truthful, and should have the courage and poise of a refined woman. One who likes the things I like, has a joy in my aspirations, is more ‘at home’ with me than with anyone else. A true pal.

9 – She should be adaptable and should realize that I have faults and must love me in spite of them – and not try to make over!

10 – She must be tolerant and a real homemaker and housekeeper with that necessary quality for housekeepers, a happy and contented mind.

11 – She mustn’t be swayed by petty jealousies and she mustn’t – oh! She mustn’t! – be subservient and fawning!

REFERENCE: Mrs. Wilcox’s Answers to Women column

McCall’s Magazine April 1926 Issue