I had shown none of Sally's wifeliness.

Her attempts at wifeliness, from visiting sick children to gazing lovingly upon her wayward husband, struck people as fake, and her attempts at leadership failed entirely.

This year, Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Heinz Kerry represent, at most, clashing images of femininity and wifeliness.

Her dedication to wifeliness did not include the slightest hint that I might finally use her for the one wifely service of which I had refrained from availing myself.

Instead, it is the women's style of wifeliness that contrasts so starkly: Mrs. Bush is the calm, self-effacing helpmate; Mrs. Heinz is the high-strung, powerful consort.

Symbol of Wifeliness Conservative Republicans, who hold Mrs. Bush up as a symbol of traditional wifeliness, were careful to defend their anti-abortion platform without disparaging her.

Wisely, Ms. Mathis plays the part with the undemonstrative but cheering support of midcentury wifeliness, and as a couple she and Mr. O'Donnell are the image of a small town's favorite sweethearts.