IT'S been a thoroughly depressing week on many fronts - the war in Afghanistan, the impotency of this government, the growing horror that shops are already selling Christmas items.

So I was cheered when a colleague brought in an item one of his relatives had been given at a retirement seminar to show just how far our society has come in the past 40 years.

It was an extract from a 1960s sex education textbook for girls, written by a woman - and I shall share it with you in a bid to brighten your day.

Its advice included: "Try to achieve a look that is welcoming without being obvious. If you need to apply face cream or hair rollers, wait until he is asleep as this can be shocking to a man last thing at night."

I shall remember that.

It went on: "When retiring to the bedroom prepare yourself for bed as promptly as possible. Whilst feminine hygiene is of the utmost importance, your tired husband does not want to queue for the bathroom as he would have to do for his train."

Of the more intimate subject of the marriage bed, it had this advice for new wives.

"Should your husband suggest any of the more unusual practices, be obedient and uncomplaining but register any reluctance by remaining silent."

How the world has changed - perhaps a little too far now that tweenie magazines have advice on sexual positions and how to get and keep your boy using management techniques.

But is does put me in mind of that great quote by the American humourist P.J. O'Rourke: "If anyone ever tells you that things were better in the good old days, just say the word dentistry."

TO continue mining the rich seam of Mr O'Rourke's bon mots, here is what he says about bringing up children: "You know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they cam from and refuse to tell you where they are going."

On the war of the sexes: "There is one thing women can never take away from men. We die sooner."

And on governments: "Feeling good about government is like looking on the bright side of any catastrophe. When you quit looking on the bright side, the catastrophe is still there."

AND finally...

SAPPER Matthew Weston lost both his legs and his right arm when he stepped on a landmine in Helmand Province.

Now recovering in hospital in Birmingham, the 20-year-old was verbally abused by youths as his mother pushed him through the city's streets in a wheelchair - shouting things like "haven't you forgotten something?" and "if you didn't want to get blown up, don't go to war."

Sapper Weston, of course, had no say in whether he went to war or not. Our government, and therefore by extension, we, sent him there. Including the crass, cruel idiots who abused him.