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andym -> Ageing. (4/24/2008 11:49:43 PM)
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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, Judy. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for
Judy to get a full-time job along with her part-time job, both for
extra income and for the extended health care 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 twice in one day 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 ageing 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
has to take a break when she is 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 Judy.
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 ageing 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
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