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 Ron. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,
Julie. When I took "early retirement" last year, it became necessary
for Julie to get a full-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 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
lawn. 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 Julie.
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,

Ron

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ron died suddenly on May 27th. The police report says
that he was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver
II golf club rammed up his ass, with only 2 inches of grip showing. His
wife Julie was arrested and charged with murder; however, the all-woman
jury found her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that he accidentally
sat down on it very suddenly.