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, Beverly. When I took "early retirement" last year, it became
necessary for <ST1:CITY w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Beverly</ST1:PLACE></ST1:CITY> 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 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
<ST1:CITY w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Beverly</ST1:PLACE></ST1:CITY>. 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, 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 rear, with only 2 inches of grip
showing. His wife, Beverly, 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.
