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Witch Weekly · February 15, 2021 – 2:32 AM

What Makes a Wife? 8 Men Explain!

Very often young ladies gain their understanding of what makes a wife from people of their own sex. Mothers, married sisters, governesses, and even Hogwarts' etiquette professor are all tasked with preparing young ladies for their futures as wives, and very often that means explaining what men desire in a woman. But how accurate is a woman's assumption of what a man appreciates? Do all men enjoy a woman who keeps a neat house? Do all men enjoy a woman who takes an interest in his worth? And do all men desire a woman who can bear as many children as he can count on two hands? We asked the gentlemen of Hogsmeade—with their identities obscured, of course! Our gentleman were asked to evaluate their preferences in appearance, personality, and interests.

"In a woman, I generally look for qualities I see in my own mother: a genuine love for keeping house, a sense of brutal honesty, and wide hips. I could not bear to be married to a woman who would allow me to make a fool of myself, nor could I be happy in a quiet household. If you wish to know what a man wants in a wife, look to his mother for inspiration." - Gentleman #1

Our assessment: While we would not suggest that you try and become a man's mother, there is no harm in mimicking some of her mannerisms to trick his mind into having the same sense of comfort with you that he does his mother! (Though we cannot help you with the hips. Invest in better padding?)

"I loathe society's image of an ideal woman. Too much emphasis is put on beauty. If I'm to marry, I require a woman who can match my intellect, shares my interests, and is capable of managing the household without my input on matters such as finances. Why should I be expected to sit at a desk all day and then return home to sit at a desk all evening? No, a capable woman is a must." - Gentleman #2

Our assessment: Pretending to be someone you're not will not help you secure happiness in marriage. If you are opinionated, be unabashedly opinionated. If you enjoy politics, do not hesitate to strike up a conversation with a man who seems to share your interests. In the worst case scenario, he will be unimpressed with your unconventional interests; in the best case scenario, you may find your soulmate.

"I do not appreciate how society expects women to act demure and clueless around men. Not all of us are the perfect image of an English gentleman; some of us struggle to approach a woman without a clear indicator of her interest. It is the one thing stopping me from finding a wife. I would quickly fall in love with a woman who embraces her truth and does not dull her spirit for the sake of appearances. If she is fond of me, I would rather he say so. I do not care if she is tall, short, too round, or too thin; I want to know who I am spending forever with." - Gentleman #3

Our assessment: Do not assume all men are the same. Seek an assessment of his character from mutual acquaintances and figure out the best way to approach him. Some men may take your façade as an insult to his intelligence, while others may find it rather plain. And more importantly: do not believe a specific trait disqualifies you from love or happiness in marriage!

"I seek a woman that fits the description of an English Rose, in appearance and character. I deserve nothing less." - Gentleman #4

Our assessment: Some men's affections are not worthy pursuing. Avoid self-righteous men at all cost!

"Why is it assumed that all men are in want of a wife? I would rather keep an owl. They are quieter and much less demanding." - Gentleman #5

Our assessment: Do not get your feathers ruffled if a man seems disinterested despite your best efforts; he may be the one with a problem rather than yourself! Some men are simply not up to the task of caring for a wife, while others have not yet achieved the maturity required to provide a stable home for one. There are plenty of men waiting to be wed!

"The two most important qualities a woman can possess are beauty and her virtue. It is true that beauty fades with age and virtue does not last forever, but I have no desire to raise a home full of ugly, ill-bred children. I am personally partial to ladies with deep skin, the darkest brown eyes, and pretty curls. And please—no high foreheads or ugly freckles!" - Gentleman #6

Our assessment: Vanity is present in both sexes, but not all men have the same idea of beauty. If you long for golden blonde hair or green eyes, remember that there are men out there whose picture of the perfect woman might capture your likeness perfectly! Another important lesson: do not allow rakish young men to take advantage of you! Men do not like to share.

"It is an unconventional opinion surely, but I would not be happy to marry any woman who I would not consider my best friend. I remember my years at Hogwarts spent pining over the girls I knew in my year, and it was there that I realized the potential for love to blossom in friendship! That being said, a woman with a fondness for literature and a mind for chess would make an ideal companion. I have fancied plenty of women and none have looked quite the same, but small feet and hands are most endearing." - Gentleman #7

Our assessment: Do not go into the season believing men and women are so different. Many marriages begin with neither wife nor husband possessing an inkling of affection for the other only to cultivate a sort of friendship and devotion for the other. Treat a man as you would another person, with no mind to differences of sex, and you might find not only a sweetheart, but a companion.

"A woman is a woman. As long as she is free from scandal and does not get on my nerves, she will be a candidate for marriage. Unfortunately is is less often a woman whose character I despise, but that of her family. I could not convince myself to propose to a woman if her family is objectionable." - Gentleman #8

Our assessment: Keep an eye on your siblings and watch out for them. The impression they make upon society will often affect society's impression of you. It is sometimes out of our control, but any good, respectable person will understand the effect their actions have on their families!

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