Taking care of the wife

[EngstromNK]

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 Jeff. Let me relate how I handled the
situation with my wife, Susie.

Since I retired several years ago, it has become
necessary for Susie 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 Susie. 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.

Sincerely, Jeff

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Jeff died suddenly on March 1 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 Susie was arrested and charged with murder.
The all-woman jury took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting
her defense that Jeff somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his
golf club.