>
>Bob's Story...
>
>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's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman.
>
>My name is Bob. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife,
>Debbie. When I took "early retirement" last year, it became necessary for
>Debbie 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 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 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 yard. 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 Debbie. 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,
>
>Bob
>
>EDITOR'S NOTE: Bob died suddenly on May 27th. The police report says that
>he was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf
>club rammed up his @$$, with only 2 inches of grip showing. His wife Debbie
>was arrested and charged with murder; however, the all-woman jury found her
>Not Guilty, accepting her defense that he accidentally sat down on it.
