Friday, Dec 09, 2005 at 23:01
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 Doug ...
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 insurance 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 bout 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 BR 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 backyard.
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, fellas, even if you use just a little more tact and a little 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,Doug
EDITOR'S NOTE: Doug died suddenly Thursday 26 of May 2005. He was found with
a Calloway extra-long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II (golf club)rammed up his
arse, with only 2 inches of grip showing . His wife Julie was arrested, but
the all-woman jury accepted her defence that he accidentally sat down on it
very suddenly.
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