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