by planovet » Tue Aug 24, 2010 10:26 am
ADVICE FROM A RETIRED HUSBAND
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 be critical
of them. Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an
oversensitive woman.
My name is Harold. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my
wife, Anne. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for
Anne 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
to bed.
Another symptom of aging is complaining, I believe. 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 Anne. 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.
NOTE:
Harold died suddenly on January 31 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, Anne, was
arrested and charged with murder. The all-female jury deliberated only
10 minutes before finding her not guilty, accepting her defense that
Harold, somehow without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.