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Subject: Aging Women
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 become upset and yell.
Expressing patience is clearly the superior option.
Let me relate how I handle the situation.
When I chucked my job and took early retirement a year ago, it became
necessary for Joyce to get a full-time job both for extra income and for
health insurance benefits that we need.
She was a trained 'something or another' when we met thirty some years ago
and was fortunate to land a job at the local shop.
It was shortly after she started working at this job that I noticed that she
was beginning to show her age.
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 half an hour or so before she starts supper.
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 she finally does get supper on the table.
She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished eating. It is
now, not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after
supper. I do what I can by reminding her several times each evening that
the dishes aren't cleaning 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. When she was younger, Joyce used
to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not get tired. Now that
she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Sometimes she
says she just can't make another trip down those steps.
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 Monday's lodge meeting or to
Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or to Tuesday's or Thursday's bowling
or something like that, I will tell her to wait until the next evening to do
the ironing.
This gives her a little more time to do some of those odds and ends things
like shampooing the dog, vacuuming, or dusting. Also, if I have had a
really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more
leisurely pace.
Joyce is starting to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you,
but just enough for me to notice. For example, she will say that it is
difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch
hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to try to 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.
When doing simple jobs she seems to think she needs more rest periods than
she used to have to take.
A couple of weeks ago she said she had to take a break when she was only
half finished mowing the yard. I overlook comments like these because I
realize it's just age talking.
In fact, I try to not embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest
breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly
squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. I tell her that as long as she
is making one for herself, she may 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 Joyce on a
daily basis. I'm not saying that the ability to show this much
consideration is easy. Many 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 achieving the exemplary level of showing consideration I have
attained 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 author's body; The cause of death
is still under investigation
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 become upset and yell.
Expressing patience is clearly the superior option.
Let me relate how I handle the situation.
When I chucked my job and took early retirement a year ago, it became
necessary for Joyce to get a full-time job both for extra income and for
health insurance benefits that we need.
She was a trained 'something or another' when we met thirty some years ago
and was fortunate to land a job at the local shop.
It was shortly after she started working at this job that I noticed that she
was beginning to show her age.
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 half an hour or so before she starts supper.
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 she finally does get supper on the table.
She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished eating. It is
now, not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after
supper. I do what I can by reminding her several times each evening that
the dishes aren't cleaning 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. When she was younger, Joyce used
to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not get tired. Now that
she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Sometimes she
says she just can't make another trip down those steps.
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 Monday's lodge meeting or to
Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or to Tuesday's or Thursday's bowling
or something like that, I will tell her to wait until the next evening to do
the ironing.
This gives her a little more time to do some of those odds and ends things
like shampooing the dog, vacuuming, or dusting. Also, if I have had a
really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more
leisurely pace.
Joyce is starting to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you,
but just enough for me to notice. For example, she will say that it is
difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch
hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to try to 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.
When doing simple jobs she seems to think she needs more rest periods than
she used to have to take.
A couple of weeks ago she said she had to take a break when she was only
half finished mowing the yard. I overlook comments like these because I
realize it's just age talking.
In fact, I try to not embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest
breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly
squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. I tell her that as long as she
is making one for herself, she may 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 Joyce on a
daily basis. I'm not saying that the ability to show this much
consideration is easy. Many 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 achieving the exemplary level of showing consideration I have
attained 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 author's body; The cause of death
is still under investigation
