Post by perone on Jun 24, 2008 6:00:49 GMT -8
Aging Housewives
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 women 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. It all started when I retired a few years ago, it
became necessary to make ends meet 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 though, I noticed she was
beginning to show her age. I usually get home from fishing about the same
time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she
usually 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 lodge so
eating out for dinner too 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 or in the sink
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, guys, you know we take 'em for
better or worse right, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her
to stretch the bill paying out over two or even three days. That way she
won't have to rush so much. I however, 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 lo ng 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 reading 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 Zebco reel, a Shimano
fishing rod and a tackle box jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of
the fishing rod 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 fishing gear.
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 women 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. It all started when I retired a few years ago, it
became necessary to make ends meet 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 though, I noticed she was
beginning to show her age. I usually get home from fishing about the same
time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she
usually 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 lodge so
eating out for dinner too 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 or in the sink
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, guys, you know we take 'em for
better or worse right, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her
to stretch the bill paying out over two or even three days. That way she
won't have to rush so much. I however, 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 lo ng 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 reading 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 Zebco reel, a Shimano
fishing rod and a tackle box jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of
the fishing rod 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 fishing gear.