In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 9, we find the story of Sukanya and Cyavana Muni. In this pastime, Srila Prabhupada describes the qualities of a good wife. Also, the pastime of Kardama Muni and Devahuti reveals qualities of a first class lady and wife.
There is much to be learned from these pastimes but in summary, a good, Krsna conscious wife is a good servant; she is patient, she is aware of the particular mentality of her husband and endeavors to work with it; she is dutiful and chaste, modest.
A good wife tries to dress nicely for her husband and when he is away, out of town, she is clean, but does not dress so elaborately. She and her husband worship the Deity together. She keeps the home clean and sees her home as a temple of Krsna. A good wife is attentive to the needs of her children, her parents and other elders. She is sweet, kind and tries to serve even strangers in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. She is a team player. She is satisfied with the honest endeavors of her husband to provide for the family and learns to utilize their resources wisely. She figures out how to use her talents to further the progress of her family and community. She is, as Srila Prabhupada says, “the power of inspiration for her husband.”
I am still learning how to be a good wife…