Advice for Brides

Around the world last week thousands of overseas brides of American soldiers waited for the day when they would sail for the U.S. In Australia were some 3,000 (and hundreds of babies); in New Zealand, 350. In Great Britain 2,000 have applied for entry to the U.S., and some 20,000 will apply as soon as their husbands, now fighting in the European Theater of Operations, head for home.

While they waited for travel permission or soldier husbands, those in Britain got some advice on how to act when they get to their new home. The advice, "A Bride's Guide to the U.S.A.," was cooked up by the British Good Housekeeping and the London staff of OWI. Excerpts:

"In America it is good manners to praise anything you like, whether it is the food, the furniture or the view from the window. Dress your smartest for the first interviews, and remember that except in the smallest villages lipstick is expected.

"Arm yourself with a few items of 'small talk'--any odd fact . . . to cover your thoughts while you look about. . . ."

On Kidding. "There are some kinds of spoken humor that you must learn to take calmly . . . kidding is perhaps [hard] to get used to but you have to learn. It may consist of mimicking to see if you 'can take it.' This variety is a subtle form of flattery as it makes you the center of attention and assumes that you can laugh at yourself, a quality that is much admired.

"The Americans do not say 'Thank you' in as many situations as the British, and they often ask a question without begging pardon. It is good American when thanked for a real favor to say, 'You're welcome,' 'Don't mention it,' or 'Not at all. . . .'

"As to table manners, your knife and fork system will seem strange to most Americans but not bad-mannered. You can make a joke of trying to learn the American cut and switch system. . . ."

On Home and Ambitions. "You will have to get used to what they mean by 'settling down.' It does not mean finding a secure job and a house and stopping there forever. It means first of all finding a line of work with prospects of higher pay and a 'future' rather than security. Love of home also is not necessarily connected with a house. Americans move often and may attach their home feeling almost entirely to their furniture and car.

"Americans do not like to be 'pushed around' any more than British people do. Along with the feeling that everyone is 'born free and equal' and ought to have an equal chance in life is a spirit of hope with great expectations for the future. In spite of many shortcomings America is a new country where past achievements are only a starting point for the future. You will be welcome in America, for you too have taken your chance and embarked on a great adventure. Americans admire courage. They will wish you good luck and happiness in your new life in the new world."

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