Advice From A Retired Husband

[Goofy]

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,

Carol

Anne. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Carol

Anne 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 an option in the evening.

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 orange juice 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 Carol Anne.

I'm not saying that showing this much patience & 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.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Ron died suddenly on January 31 of a perforated rectum. 

His

wife Carol Anne was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman

jury took only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense

that Ron, somehow without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf

club.