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 Nancy 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 met thirty some years ago and was fortunate to land a job at the local medical center as a phlebotomist.
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 they 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, Nancy 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. Nancy 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 Nancy 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.
(This was written by the deceased husband of a friend of mine! He mysteriously passed on
shortly after writing this. The cause of death is still under investigation.)
Submitted by Andy, Gettysburg, Pa.