Rob
Well-Known Member
A word to the wise. For all those who are retired and those who hope to
retire. I suggest that you pay close attention to Jims' tale.
ADVICE FROM A RETIRED HUSBAND:
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 overly sensitive, and there's nothing worse than an
oversensitive woman.
My name is Jim. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,
Terri. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Terri 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 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 Terri. 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 February 7 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
Terri was arrested and charged with murder. The all-women jury took
only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Jim,
somehow without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.
retire. I suggest that you pay close attention to Jims' tale.
ADVICE FROM A RETIRED HUSBAND:
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 overly sensitive, and there's nothing worse than an
oversensitive woman.
My name is Jim. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,
Terri. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Terri 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 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 Terri. 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 February 7 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
Terri was arrested and charged with murder. The all-women jury took
only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Jim,
somehow without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.
