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, Mary. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary
for Mary 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 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 lawn. 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 Mary.
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 7 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 laying nearby. His
wife, Mary, was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman
jury took only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her
defense that Jim somehow without looking, accidentally sat down
on his golf club.
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