These 1930s Dating Tips Seem Like They’re From Another World

The modern dating landscape might be tricky to navigate, but it’s a walk in the park compared to what it was like in the 1930s. That’s because the archaic advice handed out back then now seems regressive and seemingly impossible to live up to. From women being told to hide their hobbies to men being expected to be rich and own a car, these 1930s dating tips really do feel like they’re from another world.

40. Don’t get drunk

Drinking too much alcohol on a date was a serious sin, according to a 1938 issue of the magazine Click Photo-Parade. The article suggested some women apparently come across as intelligent after a couple of drinks, though it also claimed that most “get silly.” Furthermore, the writer sagely advised, “The last straw is to pass out from too much liquor. Chances are, your date will never call you again!”

39. Have your mom send you flowers

Apparently, you needed to appear popular in order to secure a date. That was the advice doled out to freshmen in a 1938 article in women’s magazine Mademoiselle. It decreed, “During your first term, get home talent to ply you with letters, telegrams, and invitations. College men will think, ‘She must be attractive if she can rate all that attention.’”

38. Stay quiet on the dance floor

Author Dorothy Dix sternly suggested that women should refrain from chatting too much, or – even worse – talking about themselves. But Click Photo-Parade was even more specific with its advice. The article advised women that they should make especially sure to remain silent on the dance floor, because “when a man dances he wants to dance.”

37. Don’t show your emotions

These dating articles from the 1930s make it seem like men enjoyed dating emotionless robots. Of course, we know that isn’t true, but women were apparently strongly encouraged to hide their feelings. According to Click Photo-Parade, “Men don’t like tears, especially in public places.” Dix echoed that sentiment in her book How to Win and Hold a Husband, writing, “Men do not like sentimental women.”