MEN NEED TO REMEMBER...> 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 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 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.> >
Signed,> Jim> >
EDITOR'S NOTE:Jim 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 the grip showing and a sledge hammer laying> nearby.> > His wife Peggy was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman >jury took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense >that Jim somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.
Signed,> Jim> >
EDITOR'S NOTE:Jim 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 the grip showing and a sledge hammer laying> nearby.> > His wife Peggy was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman >jury took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense >that Jim somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.