10-18-2003, 01:02 AM
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 yell. 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 metthirty some years ago and was fortunate to land at the local medical center.
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 a half hour or so before she starts dinner. 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 dinner is ready.She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished eating.The dishes usually sit on the table for several hours before shegets them done. I do what I can by reminding her several times thatthey won't clean 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. She used to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not get tired. Now it seems she gets tired faster. Sometimes she says she just can't make another trip down those stairs. 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 Mondays lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturdays poker club or to Tuesdays or Thursdays bowling. I will tell her to wait until the nexr evening to do the ironing. This gives her a little more time to do some of those odds and end things, like shampooing the dog, vacuuming or dusting.
Also, if I have a really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more leisurely pace. She is starting to complain a little, not often mind you, but enough for me to notice.
For example, she will say it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills on her lunch hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days, that away she won't have to rush. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any, if you know what I mean.
A couple of weeks ago she said had to take a break when she was only half way finished mowing the yard. i overlook things like these because I realize it's just her age.In fact I try to not embarrass her when she needs these little breaks. I tell her to fix her a big glass of lemonade and just sit for awhile and while she is making one for herself she might 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 her on a daily basis. I'm not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy. Amny 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 to achieve the exemplary level of showing such consideration as I have, 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 AUTHORS BODY. THE CAUSE OF DEATH IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION]
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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 metthirty some years ago and was fortunate to land at the local medical center.
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 a half hour or so before she starts dinner. 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 dinner is ready.She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished eating.The dishes usually sit on the table for several hours before shegets them done. I do what I can by reminding her several times thatthey won't clean 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. She used to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not get tired. Now it seems she gets tired faster. Sometimes she says she just can't make another trip down those stairs. 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 Mondays lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturdays poker club or to Tuesdays or Thursdays bowling. I will tell her to wait until the nexr evening to do the ironing. This gives her a little more time to do some of those odds and end things, like shampooing the dog, vacuuming or dusting.
Also, if I have a really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more leisurely pace. She is starting to complain a little, not often mind you, but enough for me to notice.
For example, she will say it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills on her lunch hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days, that away she won't have to rush. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any, if you know what I mean.
A couple of weeks ago she said had to take a break when she was only half way finished mowing the yard. i overlook things like these because I realize it's just her age.In fact I try to not embarrass her when she needs these little breaks. I tell her to fix her a big glass of lemonade and just sit for awhile and while she is making one for herself she might 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 her on a daily basis. I'm not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy. Amny 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 to achieve the exemplary level of showing such consideration as I have, 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 AUTHORS BODY. THE CAUSE OF DEATH IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION]
[signature]