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Helping the Aging Housewife

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 Ron. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,

Julie. When I took "early retirement" last year, it became necessary for

Julie to get a full-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

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 Julie. 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

Ron

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ron died suddenly on March 27th. The police report says

that he was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha

Driver II golf club rammed up his A$$, with only 2 inches of grip showing.

His wife Julie was arrested and charged with murder; however, the

all-woman jury found her Not Guilty, accepting her defence that he

accidentally sat down on it very suddenly