TGIF - An oldie, but goodie

[Guest guest]

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, Peggy. When I retired a few years ago, it became

necessary for Peggy 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

luch 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 Peggy. 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.