It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes
harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they
were
younger. When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are
oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman.
My name is Bob. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,
Debbie. When I took "early retirement" last year, it became necessary for
Debbie to get a full-time job along with her part time job, both for extra
income and for the health benefits that we needed. Shortly after she started
working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home
from
the golf course about the same time she gets home from work.
Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest
for
half an hour or so before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I
tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the
table.
I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club so eating out is not
reasonable. I'm ready for some home cooked grub when I hit that door.
She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. But now it's not
unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do
what
I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they
won't clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem
to
motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.
Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think. For example she will say
that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during
her
lunch hour. But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and
offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three
days.
That way s he won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing
lunch
completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean). I
like to think tact is one of my strong points.
When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She
had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try
not
to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold
glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. And, as long as
she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Debbie. I'm
not
saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it
difficult. Some will find it impossible! Nobody knows better than I do how
frustrating women get as they get older. However, guys, even if you just use
a
li ttle more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this
article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we
are put on this earth to help each other.....
Signed,
Bob
EDITOR'S NOTE: Bob died suddenly on May 27th. The police report says that he
was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf club
rammed up his @$$, with only 2 inches of grip showing. His wife Debbie was
arrested and charged with murder; however, the all-woman jury found her Not
Guilty, accepting her defense that he accidentally sat down on it.
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