It's important for us 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 begin to notice this, try not to yell at them.
Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive
woman. Let me tell you how I handled the situation with my wife, Amy.
When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Amy 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 a practicable alternative.
Besides, 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
the dishes 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, I think, is complaining. For example, she'll say
that it's 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 (if you know what I mean).
I like to think tact is one of my stronger points. And when doing simple
jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. For instance, 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.
I know, I know....I probably look like a saint by the way I support Amy.
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 start using a little more tact and a little
less criticism of your aging wife due to this article, I'll consider that by
writing it, it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to
help each other. Good luck.
Bob
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Bob died suddenly on April 15 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 left showing, and a sledgehammer lying nearby.
His wife Amy was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took
only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty. They accepted her defense that Bob,
somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.
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