On Aging Wives (long)

[Fox Body]

It is important for men to remember that as women grow older
it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of
housekeeping they did when they were younger. When men
notice this, they should try not to become upset and yell.

Expressing patience is clearly the superior option. Let me
relate how I handle the situation.

When I chucked my job and took early retirement a year ago,
it became necessary for my wife to get a full-time job both
for extra income and for health insurance benefits that we
need. She was a trained lab tech when we met thirty some
years ago and was fortunate to land a job at the local
medical center. It was shortly after she started working at
this job that I noticed that she was beginning to show her
age.

I usually get home from fishing or hunting about the same
time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry
I am, she almost always says that she has to rest for half
an hour or so before she starts supper.

I try not to yell at her when this happens. Instead, I tell
her to take her time. I understand that she is not as young
as she used to be. I just tell her to wake me when she
finally does get supper on the table.

She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished
eating. It is now not unusual for them to sit on the table
for several hours after supper. I do what I can by reminding
her several times each evening that the dishes aren't
cleaning themselves. I know she appreciates this, as it does
seem to help her get them done before she goes to bed.

Our washer and dryer are in the basement. When she was
younger, Nancy used to be able to go up and down the stairs
all day and not get tired. Now that she is older she seems
to get tired so much more quickly. Sometimes she says she
just can't make another trip down those steps.

I don't make a big issue of this. As long as she finishes up
the laundry the next evening I am willing to overlook it.
Not only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to
the Monday's lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or
Saturday's poker club or to Tuesday's or Thursday's bowling
or something like that, I will tell her to wait until the
next evening to do the ironing. This gives her a little more
time to do some of those odds and ends things like
shampooing the dog, vacuuming, or dusting. Also, if I have
had a really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and
scale the fish at a more leisurely pace. Nancy is starting
to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you, but
just enough for me to notice. For example, she will say that
it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly
bills during her lunch hour.

In spite of her complaining, I continue to try to 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. When doing
simple jobs she seems to think she needs more rest periods
than she used to have to take. A couple of weeks ago she
said she had to take a break when she was only half finished
mowing the yard. I overlook comments like these because I
realize it's just her age talking.

In fact, I try to not embarrass her when she needs these
little extra rest breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice,
big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit
for a while. I tell her that as long as she is making one
for herself, she may as well make one for me and take her
break by the hammock so she can talk with me until I fall
asleep.

I could go on and on, but I think you know where I'm coming
from. I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I
support Nancy on a daily basis. I'm not saying that the
ability to show this much consideration is easy. Many men
will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible. No one
knows better than I do how frustrating women can become as
they get older.

My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest that you
make the effort. I realize that achieving the exemplary
level of showing consideration I have attained is out of
reach for the average man. However guys, even if you just
yell at your wife a little less often because of this
article, I will consider that writing it was worthwhile.
=========================================

Note: This article was found next to the author's body. The
cause of death is still under investigation.

[mustangII460]

BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA---------BREATH--------BAWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH

[srv1]

that was funny as hell!! good one!

[lx5091]

almost makes me wanna go a little easier on MY wife.......NAH!



j/k

[Rev]

Now I know who to ask for advice when "my little sweetie" seems to move a little too slow, LOL.

Rev