[StBernard] Advice from the humble husband

[Westley Annis]

It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes
harder for them to maintain the same quality level 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 Jim.  Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,
Peggy. When I retired a few years ago, it became
necessary for Peggy 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 either.
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 Peggy. 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,
 Jim
 
EDITOR'S NOTE:
  Jim died suddenly on May 27 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 Peggy was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury
took only 15 minutes to find her 'Not Guilty', accepting her defense that
Jim somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.