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"Buffalo
Bob" |
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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, aging woman. My
name is Wally. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my
wife, Kim. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for
Kim 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 and watch the lingerie show, so eating out is
not a reasonable solution; 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. I think another symptom of aging is
complaining. 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, right? 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 Kim. 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, Wally
EDITOR'S
NOTE:
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