My Aging Wife
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 who may also be experiencing men-a-pause. My name is Bob. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Cathy. When I took 'early retirement' last year, it became necessary for Cathy to get a full-time job, both for the 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 at the Men's Grill at the club, so 'eating-out' is not reasonable. I'm ready for some home-cooked grub when I hit the 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 her aging is her 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 polite, constructive 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 simiple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break just the other day when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not to make a scene...knowing her as I do. 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 Cathy. I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men would find it difficult. Some would find it impossible! Nobody knows better that I, how frustrating and unpredictable women get as they get older. However, guys, even If you were to use just a little more tact and less criticism with 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...Bob
EDITOR'S NOTE: Bob died suddenly yesterday. He was found with a Calloway extra-long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver rammed up his backside with only 2 inches of grip showing...His wife, Cathy, was arrested, but the all-woman Grand Jury accepted her defense that he accidentally sat down on it.
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