mylifewithu wrote: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 Ole.
Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Lena.
When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Lena 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 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
Lena.
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,
Ole
EDITOR'S
NOTE:
Ole died suddenly on May 27 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 Lena was arrested and charged with murder.
The all-woman jury took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty,
accepting her defense that Ole somehow, without looking,
accidentally sat down on his golf club.