The Victorian-era guide Sex Tips For Husbands and Wives was recently republished for the first time since 1894, and it sheds light on the era's now-unorthodox sex attitudes. The guide, written by Ruth Smythers, a vicar’s wife, offers up tips for women to successfully avoid having sex with her husband.
“Most men are by nature rather perverted, and if given half a chance, would engage in quite a variety of the most revolting practices,” the book reads. “These practices include, among others: performing the normal act in abnormal positions; mouthing the female body; and offering their own vile bodies to be mouthed in turn.”
What a time to be alive. Not. Here's seven other disturbing excerpts from the guide:
1. Use headaches as a sex diversion. “Feigned illness, sleepiness, and headaches are among a woman’s best friend in this matter.”
2. Avoid sex by starting an argument. “Arguments, nagging, scolding, and bickering also prove very effective in putting a man off sex, if used in the late evening.”
3. If you must 'do it,' do it in the dark. "Sex, when it cannot be prevented, should be practised only in total darkness."
4. Pretend you have to use the restroom to avoid having sex. "If he lifts her gown and attempts to kiss her any place else she should quickly pull the gown back in place, spring from the bed, and announce that nature calls her to the toilet."
5. Absolutely no foreplay. “If he attempts to kiss her on the lips, she should turn her head slightly so that the kiss falls harmlessly on her cheek instead.”
6. Don't show enthusiasm. "Give little, give seldom and above all, give grudgingly. Most men, if not denied, would demand sex almost every day."
7. No talking. "She will be absolutely silent or babble about her housework while he is huffing and puffing away."
Source: Mamamia/ photo: Getty Images