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 to show some
understanding. My name is Wayne , and let me relate how I handled the
situation with my wife, Beverly.
When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Bev 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 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 in the Men's Grill at the country club, so eating out again
at night is not reasonable. I'm ready for some home-cooking 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 the dishes 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. 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 that this 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 --- or just bring me a
cold beer in a frosted mug.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Bev, and
I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Nobody
knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older,
but, guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism
of your aging wife because of this letter, I will consider that
writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to
help each other.
Wayne
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Wayne died tragically on March 1st 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 with a sledge hammer lying nearby.
Beverly was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took
only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that
Wayne somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf
club.