How to Be Happy Though Married

How to Be Happy Though Married by E.J. Hardy is a witty, wise, and remarkably enduring manual on the art of maintaining happiness within marriage. First published in 1887, the book served as a Victorian-era guide to navigating the often turbulent yet potentially fulfilling journey of married life. Part advice book, part social commentary, and part moral reflection, it remains a fascinating blend of humor, practical guidance, and psychological insight. Across 28 engaging chapters, Hardy explores every aspect of marriage with both levity and depth—from the selection of a life partner (The Choice of a Wife, The Choice of a Husband), to post-marital realities (Being Married, Honeymooning), financial and domestic management (Furnishing, Married Peoples Money, The Management of Servants), and emotional dynamics (Love Surviving Marriage, Pulling Together, They Had A Few Words). A standout feature of the book is its focus on marriage as a moral and character-building experience. In chapters such as Marriage Considered As A Discipline of Character and Preparation for Parenthood, Hardy emphasizes the virtues of patience, duty, forgiveness, and mutual sacrifice. The tone is gently humorous, compassionate, and occasionally satirical, addressing topics like: How to manage expectations Differences in temperament and upbringing The importance of politeness at home How to survive “a bad matrimonial bargain” The significance of shared responsibility and emotional maturity Although rooted in the social norms of late 19th-century Britain, Hardy’s reflections are surprisingly relevant even today. He insists that marriage should not be idealized nor despised, but understood as a realistic, evolving partnership requiring consistent care and humility. How to Be Happy Though Married offers not just marital counsel, but philosophical wisdom on human relationships, making it an enduring classic in the realm of personal development and family life literature.