As you wife gets older (Letter to the editor)
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 Stan. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my
wife, Judy. When I took "early retirement" a few years ago, it became
necessary for Judy to get a full-time job, both for the 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 course 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 awhile. 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 Judy.
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 . . .
Best regards,
Stan
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Stan died suddenlyThursday March 26. He was found with a
Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II rammed up his backside with
only 2 inches of grip showing. His wife Judy was arrested, but the
all-woman Grand Jury accepted her defense that he accidentally sat down on
it.
Here is a hilarious letter from a signature "Stan" to the editor
of a paper in his home town.
of a paper in his home town.
