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 Jim. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my
wife, Peggy.
When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for
Peggy 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 t o 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 Peggy. 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,
Jim
EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim died suddenly on April 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 lying nearby. His wife Peggy was
arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took only 15
minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Jim somehow,
without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.
