Radio and television mirror (July-Dec 1950)

Mary Noble, secure in the knowledge of Larry's love, knows nonetheless that this question may trouble other wives. Here she helps you learn the real answer ! By MARY NOBLE We're a happy family, Larry and Larry Junior and I. I don't mean that my husband and I don't ever have differences of opinion — any two thinking people who share a common life are bound to differ. But basically Larry and I are so sure of each other, so happy that we are sure too, that no argument can leave a scar on our happiness. This doesn't hold true, I'm afraid, in all families. Some of you have written to me about it, and the gist of those letters is this: "Does my husband still love me? How can I be sure?" There are, of course, many men who are not demonstrative but whose love for their wives is still as deep and sure as on the wedding day. Others may have drifted a little apart from their wives, but the bond between them could be renewed if the wife understood how to go about that renewal. I've given the matter a good deal of thought and finally I asked a psychologist whom Larry and I know if there are any ways of rating married happiness. Not, he told me, any sure tests that could be dealt with in a short time. But, he added, he could work up a set of questions designed to indicate to a wife how stable her marriage is, whether or not she should seek help, from the outside or from within herself, toward the goal of greater married happiness. I asked our friend to prepare such a quiz for me to pass along to you — a way for you to evaluate your own married happiness. DOES YOUR HUSBAND STILL LOVE YOU? HOW HAS HE PROVED IT TO YOU? TELL MARY NOBLE YOUR STORY! Write a letter of one hundred words or less telling of an incident in your married life which proved to you that your husband still loved you. Address your letter to Mary Noble, c/o Radio Mirror Magazine, 205 E. 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y. Mary Noble and the editors of Radio Mirror will choose what they believe to be the best letter, send the writer of that letter Radio Mirror's check for $50.00 FOR THE BEST LETTER Plus a Case of Sterling Drug. Co. Products Ten next-best letters will be chosen; to the writer of each will go a check for $5.00. The judges' decisions will be final; no letters will be returned nor correspondence entered into concerning them. All letters should be postmarked no later than November 10, 1950, and this notice should accompany your letter for identification. Backstage Wife, conceived and produced by Frank and Anne Hummert. is heard on NBC stations at 4 P.M., EST, sponsored by Dr. Lyon's Toothpowder, Double Danderine, Energine Cleaning Fluid, Haley's M-O, AstringO-Sol. Mary Noble is played by Claire Neisen; Larry by James Meighan. Mjjf^i RATE YOUR MARRIED HAPPINESS One of the happiest surprises of married life is that the longer you are wed the stronger love grows. And as time passes, a husband and wife tend to express their love more in deeds than in words. So, if the last time your husband whispered "I love you" is only a hazy memory, don't fret about it. The real test of his love lies not in what he says but in what he does. Your own actions, too, play a vital part in determining whether or not he still loves you. Check up on the situation by answering "yes" or "no" to these questions: 1. Does he sometimes bring a surprise gift on days other than your birthday or anniversary? 2. He may not woo you as he did on your honeymoon, but is there an occasional spark of romantic fire in his lovemaking? And in yours? 3. Is he aware of the importance and responsibility of your role as homemaker? 4. Do you let him tell a joke or story without interruption or correction? 5. Do you praise him for his achievements and comfort him when he fails? 6. Does he express his innermost thoughts and feelings to you? 7. Does he often compliment you on your appearance? 8. Does be criticize or belittle you before others? 9. Does he "go out with the boys" several times each week? 10. Do you compete with him for the love of your children? Correct answers: 1 through 7, "yes"; S, 9, 10 "no" If you have seven or more right answers — you are managing your marriage well and can be sure he still loves you. 5 to 7 right answers — he's probably bored, but a little effort on your part may bring a surprisingly warm and affectionate response. Below 5 — love can hardly be thriving in your case, but all's not lost. Look as attractive as possible. Make him feel that his home is his castle. Try to be a good companion. Above all, give him lots of affection — remember that a kiss in time might save nine — from some other 31