ladies, just hold on in there till the end
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 John. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,
Linda.
When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Linda 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 club 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 she 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 Linda.
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 little 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,
John
EDITOR'S NOTE:
John died suddenly on May 27 of a perforated rectum. The police report
says he was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver
II golf club jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of grip
showing and a sledge hammer laying nearby.
His wife Linda was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury
took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that
John somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf clubs.