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The Facts
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 oversensitive and there
is nothing worse than an oversensitive woman. My name is Paul - Let me relate
how I handled the situation with my wife, Sue. When I was laid off from my
consulting job and took "early retirement" in April, it became necessary for Sue
to get a full-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 Course 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
usually have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club, so when I hit that door, I'm
ready for some home cooked grub.
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 appreciates this, as it seems to motivate her to get them
done before she goes to bed.
I really think my old business as a consultant helps a lot. I consider telling
people what they ought to do is one of my strong points. And speaking of bed,
her age really shows up there. I go out and golf all day, come home dead tired,
then after a two hour nap and a good meal;
I'm ready, if you know what I mean. Age has gotten to her so bad, that she
actually dozes off during lovemaking. But that's okay. Her satisfaction in that
area is important to a sensitive guy like me, and if she enjoys sleeping during
our little trysts, what the hey.
Now that she has gotten older, she does seem to get tired so much more quickly.
Since our washer and dryer are in the basement, sometimes she says she just
can't make another trip down those steps. I don't make a big issue of this; as
she finishes up the laundry the next evening, I'm willing to overlook it. Not
only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to the Monday 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 like shampooing the dog, vacuuming or dusting.
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 them 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
also.
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, and then take her break by my
hammock.
I know that I probably look like a Saint in the way I support Sue. 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
frustrated 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.
Paul Meakin
EDITOR'S
NOTE: Paul died suddenly Thursday, July. 3. He was found with a Calloway extra
long 50 inch Big Bertha Driver rammed up his rectum with only 2 inches of grip
showing. His wife, Sue, was arrested, but the Grand Jury (made up of mostly
women because the men are so busy) accepted her defense that he accidentally sat
on it and she was released on Friday.
But SERIOUSLY fellas, have you given your wife a hug and a kiss and told her you
love her TODAY (and everyday). Submariner’s wives have stood by their men
through thick and thin. They worried about them whilst at sea doing their duty,
and worried about them when on shore duty when they drove home after a session
in the mess. They were always there when we got back from patrol with a spotless
home, shining kids and a smile from ear to ear at seeing you.
They took care of all the kids problems, teething, the tooth fairy, buying the birthday presents and Christmas gifts for the family. They washed those smelly oily steaming rigs you brought home after festering on your body for weeks at a time. They see the kids through school, grow up and move out of home (hopefully) and then look forward to some quality time with the man they have stood by all this time.
They worry about our health when we retire, some times to the deficit of their own and are there for us, to love us and care for us through our old age. So let’s say three cheers for the submariner’s wives and remember to tell them how much you love and respect them for being there for you .
