ADVICE FROM A RETIRED HUSBAND

[Gio]

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 over sensitive, and there's nothing worse
than an over sensitive woman.


My name is Ron. Let me relate how I handled the
situation with my wife, Carol Anne. When I retired a
few years ago, it became necessary for Carol Anne 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
front 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 Carol Anne. 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.



EDITOR'S NOTE:
Ron died suddenly on 31 January 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 grip showing, and
a sledge hammer laying nearby. His wife Carol Anne was arrested and charged
with murder. The all woman jury took only 10 minutes to find her not
guilty, accepting her defence that Ron, somehow without looking,
accidentally sat down on his golf club.

[Samray]