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Advice from a Retired Husband

wm460

Grand Master
Joined
Mar 16, 2013
Posts
23,095
Location
Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, Australia.
First Name
Mark
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 over sensitive, and there's nothing worse than an over sensitive woman.

My name is Ron. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Carol Anne.
When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Carol Anne 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 Carol Anne.
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 worth while.
After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.



EDITOR'S NOTE:
Ron died suddenly on January 31 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 lying nearby.
His wife Carol Anne was arrested and charged with murder.
The all-woman jury took only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty,
accepting her defense that Ron, somehow without looking,
had accidentally sat down on his golf club.
 

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,340
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
As a retired husband when I retired I noticed a changing atmosphere like thunder approaching so testing the water I threw out the remark what are you doing darling, spot on immediate reaction so I then said I am off to the local Mall want to come, yes I was correct threats for ever averted, discussed how I sensed I may become a threat to her independance, harmony restored.

Mark trust we dont fall as the story you related my wife is an avid quilter, sewer, all handcrafts with a mean arsenal of needles, pins, weapons of minor destruction. How are you by the way Mark and I sometimes use Skype to cover the thousands of miles between us.

Kind regards Peter.
 
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