Subject: Truths About Older Women
> This was too good not to pass on. Written by a man - of course. .
>
>
> 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
> 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 club or to Tuesday's or Thursday's bowling
> or Friday's poker game 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.
> ------------------------------
