From the August 1953 Issue of True Romance Magazine, a guide for the young woman who is about to embark on the wonders of marriage. How does it hold up compared to today’s standards of marriage? Read on and take the “Am I Ready For Marriage?” Quiz at the bottom:

What does a bride need to know to be a good wife? Here is the account of what Connie Hart (one of our readers) found out, and we’re passing it on to you as a practical guide to the engaged girl.

Last night Larry gave me my diamond and I couldn’t sleep the whole night. Oh, I love him and I’m happy, sure! But I have to admit that I’m troubled too. What is marriage really? When I’m with Larry it’s a rushing feeling of possession — when I’m alone I sometimes get scared thinking it will be pots and pans and drudgery.

I guess this is as good a time as any to ask myself a few questions. What do I know about Larry? He’s a fellow in the crowd who painted scenery for the school plays, and then went into his own house painting business after high school graduation. He’s twenty-one and I’m seventeen, and we’ve gone steady for a year.

I know our interests are the same and although he may outscore me on the bowling alley, I can handle a car as well as he can. He calls me the worst driver in the whole city of Columbus, but I just ignore that. And I learned something about him I didn’t know — he likes to cook. Guess I’ll be learning new things about him all the time, now.

We’ve never talked about children, or where we want to settle. Larry will be able to do most of the repair work on a house. But he may want to live in an apartment.

We both go to the same church, so we have no religious problems. But I remember a few years ago when his cousin wanted to marry someone of another faith. His mother was very upset and had decided opinions about it. “It can’t possibly work,” she said. “George will be back home within a year.” She was wrong, and they have a lovely baby now. But does my mother-in-law have decided opinions about other things, too? What would she say about my leaving the dishes in the sink, or the kind of furniture I want?

I don’t know anything about buying furniture or living on a budget. What would I do if I found out I didn’t have money for meals on Friday or Saturday because I spent it all at the beginning of the week? I couldn’t keep it a secret the way I did when I was fifteen and bought those fancy earrings and didn’t have lunch money for a week. My sister Grace should be able to help me here. She’s twenty and has been married for a year.

I wouldn’t be too far wrong if I spoke to our minister about our future, either. He sometimes gives sermons about the meaning of marriage and problems that reached the heart level.

I’m going to stop in at the bank, too, and see if they can give me some suggestions in planning my budget. Then, with all the help that I’ll have from my relatives, friends, and minister I shouldn’t have too much trouble in getting started on making my marriage work.

After that I’ll pay the doctor a visit. I haven’t had a complete examination in years and it’s only fair to Larry that his wife should be in perfect condition. At the same time the doctor can explain some of the physical aspects of marriage to me so that I can do my part in making our marriage a success. I expect Larry will want to do that too. Then we can talk over what the doctor said and see how it fits in with what we already knew.

There’s an awful lot I don’t know–budgets, children, doctors, in-laws. I know that I can’t learn everything in one day, but tomorrow I’m going to start asking a lot of questions and I won’t stop until I get answers that tell me something. I guess that’s the most sensible way to plan.

We haven’t set a date for our wedding yet, so our engagement will give me enough time to learn what I need to know to be a good wife. Don’t get me wrong–I don’t want a long engagement, but I don’t want a short marriage, either.

Am I Ready For Marriage?

1. Have you discussed the future with each other in terms of children, a home, religion, keeping your job, and who handles the money? Yes or No

2. If your knowledge of the physical aspects of marriage are hazy, would you consult a doctor? Yes or No

3. Do you and your fiance quarrel over people you would like to have as friends? Yes or No

4. Do you think you know everything important about your future husband? Yes or No

5. Do you look upon marriage as a romantic adventure? Yes or No

6. Will your feelings be hurt if your husband spends one night a week bowling with the boys? Yes or No

7. Are there little habits that your fiance has that you think you’re going to change after marriage? Yes or No

8. Do you get along with your in-laws? Yes or No

9. If your husband provoked you, would you tongue-lash him first and ask questions afterward? Yes or No

10. Do you always expect to get your own way? Yes or No

11. Are you willing to do those things for your husband that your mother did for you, plus a little bit more? Yes or No

12. Do you think a budget is important when you first get married? Yes or No

13. Are you ready to make your marriage work even if it turns out to be much different from what you expected it to be? Yes or No

14. Have you and your husband discussed the matter of a working wife? Yes or No

If your answers to question 1 and 2 are “yes,” then your outlook on marriage is healthy. It shows that you can see both sides of a question — a very important part of marriage. Give yourself one point here for each “yes.”

If your answers to questions 3, 4 ,5, 6, and 7 are “yes,” then you’d better give another thought to what you want out of marriage because you are still thinking of marriage as a fairy tale and you’re trying to fit your husband-to-be into the pattern of a prince charming. Give yourself one point here for each “no.”

If your answers to question 8 and 11 are “yes,” and questions 9 and 10 are “no,” then you’re a considerate woman, and should make a considerate wife. Give yourself one point for each correct answer.

If your answers to questions 12, 13, and 14 are “yes,” then you’ve faced the realistic side of marriage, and your chances of success are better than average. Give yourself one point for each “yes.”

A perfect score of fourteen means you’re off to a good start in your marriage. A score between 8 and 13 means that you haven’t given the day-to-day side of marriage much thought, and there may be bumps ahead. Less than 7 means you may not be ready for marriage. BE CAREFUL!

Rebel Wilson leads the Barden Bellas back into the spotlight in Pitch Perfect 2, which takes over theaters on May 15. Get ready for the Aca-pocalypse!

“Pitch Perfect” — 2012’s sleeper hit about an all-female college a cappella team competing for a national championship — was the smash hit that nobody saw coming. Produced for a paltry $17 million, the film turned into a global sensation, raking in over $112 million, turning Anna Kendrick into a bona fide star, and firmly securing its soundtrack a place on the iPods of aca-lytes worldwide. For a musical comedy produced by a woman (Elizabeth Banks), written by a woman (“30 Rock” alum Kay Cannon) and starring a whole bunch of women (Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp and Rebel Wilson, who all returned for the sequel), it also served as proof that a female-centric comedy could do serious damage at the box office, even with nary an Avenger in site.

There’s a Hollywood recipe for making sequels that you might call the “Hangover” technique. Take the same characters that were in the original, put them into the same situation, tweak slightly, then hope moviegoers don’t notice — or at least don’t care. The greatest selling point of “Pitch Perfect 2” is that it doesn’t follow that lazy formula, and the result is a comedy that, if not always better than the first, is certainly more uproarious.

Banks sits in the director’s chair this time around and has already been approached about a possible third film in the series. “I’m really focused on putting this movie out and then letting the audience tell us what to do next,” she says.

By Brianna Porter

It’s fairly common to feel a little lost after a regular ol’ breakup, so it’s not hard to assume what a big ol’ divorce might feel like. It’s a long process that requires multiple agreements (who gets what, who gets to see the kids when, etc.) and it can really take it out of you. Not everyone knows firsthand what a divorce is like (and thank goodness for that!), but we know enough from friends or family members or even just entertainment portrayal of a divorce to know that it’s a confusing, frustrating, and emotionally draining time. Some people end it on a fairly cordial, mutual agreement, so their healing time may be a little quicker than normal, but many people end up stressed with new financial burdens and responsibilities, and may get a little discouraged or give up on a long-time dream for other new commitments. But this isn’t healthy for anybody!

What would Lucille Ball do? In addition to being a famous film actress, model, and studio executive, Lucille went through her own major divorce from fellow I Love Lucy star Desi Arnaz in 1960. Despite the fact that the whole thing was less than enjoyable, Lucille maintained her position as a top studio executive of DesiLu Productions (her company shared with ex Desi) and went on to produce equally successful features (including We Love Lucy) that continued to rake in the dough. In addition to completely killin’ it in her career, she was a wonderful, caring mother to two children, which just goes to show that you don’t have to give up one facet of your life for another– you can have it all! Perhaps in response to questions on how she kept it cool after a divorce, Lucille was quoted saying, “One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.” Whatever the case, this sounds like great advice to go by, no matter what obstacles are thrown your way.

We really DO love Lucy!

(From Never Liked It Anyway, the number one destination for all things break-ups and bounce-back! It’s the place to buy, sell and tell all things ex! Sell your breakup baggage, tell your story and join the community of rock stars bouncing back better than ever! )

The following advice was excavated from our True Romance Magazine archives. This advice story ran in the June, 1952 issue, but it still works pretty well today – except for the radio and jukebox tips. We added a few updates, too, but you can see for yourself if these ideas will help!

You can banish those pre-date jitters by learning the right way to get ready for a date, what to do when the evening is under way. Here’s the simple know-how to keep things on a smooth basis, make him want to see you again.

When Jim first asked you out, you were so excited you could hardly stand it. But now, as the big night draws near, you are beginning almost to dread it – it’s so important. Suppose he’s bored, and never asks you for a date again? Suppose you can’t think of anything to talk about? Suppose you step all over his feet on the dance floor? Suppose the new dress is the wrong color for you, after all? Suppose he doesn’t have a good time? You’re almost beginning to wish you were spending the evening safely at home, alone, with the radio (make that a computer today!).

There is nothing unusual about this kind of pre-date jitters. Actors call it stage fright, athletes get it before the big game, and soldiers feel it before going into battle. As a matter of fact, Jim is probably suffering a case of nerves himself, right now! It’s practically guaranteed to disappear the moment you go into action.

“But what if it doesn’t?” you ask. “What if I stay as tongue tied as I feel now? What if he doesn’t have a good time?”

The answer to that one is very simple. Your date will have a good time under one condition, and one only – that YOU have a good time! Your problem is not to see that he enjoys himself. It’s simply to enjoy yourself – and the rest will happen automatically.

The first rule for enjoying yourself is to be yourself – not someone else that you think Jim might prefer. After all, it was you he asked, wasn’t it? Then you’re the girl he expects to see when he punches the doorbell. It will help you to be yourself if you wear, not a new and elaborate dress that you will be conscious of every minute, but a favorite outfit, even if it is one you have worn many times before. Something that you know is becoming, and that you feel comfortable in. Nor is this the time to try a new and starling hair-do. Wear your hair, your make-up, your accessories in a way that you like, and that lets you feel as much at ease as if you were at home in blue jeans. Too much glamour is not appealing to most men, anyway. Your escort will prefer the natural look that you probably had the day he asked you for a date.

The same thing applies to the evening’s entertainment, if he should ask you what you would like to do. The most glamourous and expensive place in town, besides being a shock to his wallet (or yours if you happen to be splitting the bill), is probably not the place where you feel most at ease and can have the most fun. Instead, try a movie that will give you something to talk about when it is over. One girl I know argued for three hours afterward with her date about the movie they’d just seen – and continued the argument on the date he asked for the next night! Or go dancing to the jukebox where the crowd goes (Okay, you may have a hard time finding a jukebox, but find a fun club where you can dance).

Above all – relax. Allow plenty of time to dress, enough for a leisurely bath and a brief rest before you put on the finishing touches. And, as you go down the stairs, remember: Jim is just as anxious to make a good impression as you are! (Let’s hope so, or YOU may not want a second date.)

If you remember this, you can’t forget the second rule for having a good time on a date: Think about the other person instead of yourself. Put him at ease, help him not to feel self-conscious, think of things to say and do that will amuse and entertain him, and you will have a good time without thinking about it. When one of those dead, dull, silences shows signs of appearing, ask him questions—about himself, about what he likes and dislikes, what he wants to do with his life, what he thinks of the headlines in tonight’s paper. Get interested in him and you needn’t worry about his being interested in you! (UPDATE: Make sure you pay more attention to him than to your phone. Texting, talking and generally looking at your phone sends a signal that you are just not that interested. We know it’s tough, but PUT DOWN THE PHONE and be present for your date! Hopefully, he will do the same.)

The third rule for having a good time on a date is the same as for having a good time under any circumstances—keep busy! If you go to a party, help pick out records (not many of us have records any more, but check out the playlist or make a song request to the DJ), serve refreshments, start a game going if appropriate, or join in enthusiastically when somebody else does. The point is to engage in a way that is comfortable for you and for your date.

If you invite your date in after the dance or the show, do something—don’t just sit there blankly beside him on the sofa, letting your passivity act as a silent invitation to boredom—or to romantic maneuvers you’re not ready for. Show him the family snapshot album, play music, (watch something fun on TV or Netflix,) make sandwiches, challenge him to a fast set of table tennis. But keep busy—and have fun!

A famous line from show business gives you the final rule for having a good time on a date—and therefore making certain he does. The line: “Always leave them laughing!” The doesn’t mean, of course, that you must literally leave him chuckling over some parting witticism as the door closes (although it’s not a bad idea if you can manage it), but it means to say good night while you—and he—are still having fun. Leave him while you still feel that you could go on dancing, talking, having fun, for hours—and he’ll be calling you tomorrow to arrange that very thing! (Or, you can call him if he deserves another date!)

Far From the Madding Crowd , Thomas Hardy’s fourth novel (first published in 1874) and his first major literary success, has been adapted for the Big Screen and opens in theaters this weekend.

Hardy knew how to write epic novels and love stories (Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Jude the Obscure). Far from the Madding Crowd tells the story of the young farmer Gabriel Oak and his love for and pursuit of the elusive Bathsheba Everdene, whose wayward nature leads her to both tragedy and true love.  The first of his works set in Wessex, Hardy’s novel of swift passion and slow courtship is imbued with his evocative descriptions of rural life and landscapes, and with unflinching honesty about sexual relationships. On the most basic level, story is about two people getting to know and trust each other very slowly, while everything around them changes dramatically.

Carrie Mulligan plays the elusive Bathsheba, whose performance is sharp and emotional. She is paired with Matthias Schoenaerts, who plays the charming Gabriel Oak. Schoenaerts and Mulligan have palpable chemistry; he’s so indelible as this hearty man of the earth that it makes you believe the porcelain Mulligan has done a day’s farm labor in her life.

The screenwriter David Nicholls (One Day, Starter for 10) cut his teeth on pedigree adaptations with Mike Newell’s Great Expectations in 2012, but Far From The Madding Crowd may be a trickier prospect. Hardy’s novel is over 300 pages long. The film, directed by Thomas Vinterberg, opens May 1, 2015.

Behind every great man there is an even greater woman. Sometimes you have to look beyond the elaborate beard to see her though. The strong women featured on the History Channel’s epic series Vikings, have come out from behind their bearded counterparts and shown us some television worth watching!

The cast of characters:

Lagertha Lothbrok (played by Katheryn Winnick) is the wife of Ragnar and a fierce shield-maiden (woman who has chosen to fight as a warrior). She has fought alongside her husband and shares his lust for adventure.

Siggy (played by Jessalyn Gilsig) is the shrewd widow of Earl Haraldson. Siggy has lost her husband, all of her children and her authority in Kattegat, but has not lost her desire for power.

Aslaug (played by Alyssa Sutherland) is the clever and beautiful daughter of the famed dragon slayer Sigurd and shield-maiden Brunhilde. The aristocratic yin to Lagertha’s scrappy yang, Aslaug is a positively shimmering demi-goddess amid the general grime of Kattegat.

Porunn (played by Gaia Weiss) is a shield-maiden that will not be tamed by any man and Bjorn (the son of Ragnar and Lagertha) must learn to accept this before Porunn can accept his love.

The third season of the Canadian-Irish historical drama television series Vikings premiered on February 19, 2015 on History in Canada and in the United States.

Filmed in Ireland, Vikings is inspired by the tales about the Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the best-known mythological Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of France and England. It portrays Ragnar as a Viking farmer who pioneers the first daring raids into England with the support of fellow warriors, his brother Rollo, and his ex-wife, the shield-maiden Lagertha.

Watch the Season 3 Trailer Here:

By Katherine Sharma

The first line of a fiction novel is so important that the most famous are instantly recognized:

“Call me Ishmael.” (Moby-Dick by Herman Melville)

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” (A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens)

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”(Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy)

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)

My son and husband just love the new sci-fi hit The Martian by Andy Weir, about an astronaut stranded on Mars; it begins with “I’m pretty much f–d.” Memorable first lines grab the reader’s interest, introduce the style or voice of the novel, and create expectations that the author will satisfy or confound. Many stock opening words set the scene, but the best go way beyond “It was a dark and stormy night.”

Consider how George Orwell’s initially standard start to his novel 1984 is disturbingly transformed by the last word: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” Some first lines hook the reader immediately by jumping right into action, as in Toni Morrison’s Paradise: “They shoot the white girl first.”

Other fiction openers present a thesis or opinion before moving forward, beginning with a statement that engages or challenges the reader’s experience and that grows in impact by the novel’s last words. Austen and Tolstoy succeeded in the examples above. First lines also can draw in readers with suspense–about what will be revealed about events (The Martian), or about the narrator as in Albert Camus’ The Stranger (“Mother died today.”), or about both as in Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five (“All this happened, more or less.”) Test yourself on how many first lines are etched in your memory with this quiz courtesy of The Christian Science Monitor: http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/2014/0612/Famous-opening-lines-Take-our-literature-quiz/Question-110

ABOUT  KATHERINE SHARMA

Katherine Sharma’s family roots are in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. But after her early childhood in Texas, she has moved around the country and lived in seven other states, from Virginia to Hawaii. She currently resides in California with her husband and three children. She has also traveled extensively in Europe, Africa and Asia, and makes regular visits to family in India. After receiving her bachelor’s degree. in economics and her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan, Katherine worked as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor for more than 15 years. She then shifted into management and marketing roles for firms in industries ranging from outdoor recreation to insurance to direct marketing. Although Katherine still works as a marketing consultant, she is now focused on creative writing.