What makes the perfect wife? Of course, opinions vary across cultures and even from person to person, but a regional branch of The China Times newspaper, Chongqing Daily, think they pinpointed ten specific conditions and characteristics that the perfect wife would possess. To test their theory, the newspaper surveyed over 700 of their female readers in Chongqing City, Southwestern China, asking them if they agreed or disagreed with the newspaper’s description of the ideal wife. What are the ten perceived requirements for the perfect female partner? Read on to find out!
1) Above all else, she should practice filial piety (well, she at least has to be respectful of the in-laws).
*Keep in mind, young married couples usually move in with the husband’s family.
Agree: 94.44%
Disagree: 5.56%
▼ Reverence for elders is a long-standing and important Chinese custom.
2) Even if she’s busy, she makes sure the housework is done, and done well.
Agree: 94.82%
Disagree: 5.18%
▼ We’re starting to understand why Mulan was not cut out for matchmaking…
3) She should quit any prior jobs and focus on being a homemaker.
Agree: 85.21%
Disagree: 14.79%
▼ All girls aspire to be good housewives, right?
4) She should love her husband from the bottom of her heart and value a happy married life.
Agree: 91.02%
Disagree: 8.98%
▼ Wives should be as devoted as swans.
5) She should be cordial with the next three neighbors on both sides − Make friends, not enemies.
Agree: 95.20%
Disagree: 4.80%
▼ Mr. Rogers knows what makes a good wife.
6) She should consider the family’s reputation in everything she says and does.
Agree: 91.78%
Disagree: 8.22%
▼ Joan Jett would not be an ideal wife because she “doesn’t give a damn about [her] reputation”.
7) She should be the mother of everyone’s dreams; attending to the child’s physical and mental needs.
Agree: 94.18%
Disagree: 5.82%
▼ Is Mrs. Clever the perfect mom?
8) She should only return to her parent’s home if there is a disagreement with the in-laws, stay no longer than three days and not talk badly about the in-laws while she’s there (Okay…)
Agree: 59.67%
Disagree: 40.33%
▼ Don’t be gone long if you want to stay on good terms with the in-laws.
9) She should not fuss over how much money the in-laws spend on utilities and daily living.
Agree: 64.73%
Disagree: 35.27%
▼ Don’t pinch pennies when it comes to family.
10) She should be beautiful, smart and funny.
Agree: 27.05%
Disagree: 72.95%
▼ Natalie Portman is often referred to as being saishokukenbi, “a woman gifted with both intelligence and beauty,” but is she funny enough to be the perfect wife?
While many thought that it would be impossible for any single woman to uphold all ten factors, for the most part the ladies agreed with the traits−except for number ten, with which most vehemently disagreed (and we can’t blame them!). It’s pretty clear what the average Chongqing woman feels about these qualities, but we wonder how the men of Chongqing perceive the “perfect wife.” As always, we’d love to hear from you — let us know what you think in the comments section below!
Source: J.People
Images: Wikimedia Commons (1, 3, 4 (Allen Watkin), 6 (Curtis Guy Stankalis), 7 , 9, 10 (Josh Jensen), Fanpop (2), Mad Mike’sAmerica (5), Pixabay (8)
The top 10 traits of “domestic” women in Japan, according to Japanese men
What do you do when your mother-in-law secretly kisses your husband while you sleep?
10 simple ways to ruin a Japanese wife’s day
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Eight great words for talking about summer in Japan in Japanese
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa