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 Ron......Let me relate how I handled the
situation with my wife,Julie. When I took "early
retirement" last year, it became necessary
for Julie to get a full-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
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 Julie. 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,
Ron
EDITOR'S NOTE: Ron died suddenly Thursday May 26. He
was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big
Bertha Driver II rammed up his backside, with only 2
inches of grip showing...His wife Julie was arrested,
but the all-woman Grand Jury accepted her defense that
he accidentally sat down on it very suddenly.