An ideal wife is any woman who has an ideal husband.

The quote by Booth Tarkington is a witty observation about marriage and the dynamics between husbands and wives. When he says, “An ideal wife is any woman who has an ideal husband,” he implies that what makes a wife “ideal” is not her qualities alone, but the character and behavior of her partner. In other words, if a husband treats his wife with love, respect, and fairness, she will naturally embody the virtues of an “ideal” spouse in return.

This statement challenges the traditional expectation that a wife must bear the full responsibility of being perfect or selfless to make a marriage work. Instead, Tarkington shifts the focus to mutuality—the idea that both partners influence each other’s behavior. A marriage thrives not because one person strives for perfection but because both contribute equally, creating an environment where love and respect flourish.

The origin of this quote lies in Tarkington’s career as an American novelist and playwright of the early 20th century. Best known for works like The Magnificent Ambersons and Alice Adams, he often examined themes of family, society, and human relationships. His clever remark about the “ideal wife” fits with his style of blending humor and insight to critique social conventions, particularly gender roles in marriage.

Ultimately, Tarkington’s words underscore that an “ideal marriage” depends on reciprocity. A wife cannot be expected to embody perfection in a vacuum—her husband’s character and actions shape her experience and response. By turning the idea of the “ideal wife” back onto the role of the husband, Tarkington humorously but wisely highlights the importance of shared responsibility in relationships.