hankm1 Loc: Mount Prospect IL

ADVICE FROM RON, 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 oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive
woman.

My name is Ron. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Carol.

When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Carol 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 each day in the Men's Grill at the Golf Club, so eating out is not an option in
the evening. 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 front 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. I'm not saying that showing this much
patience & 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.

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 laying 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, accidentally sat down on his golf club.

A hole in one, so to speak!!

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Oh, this is rich. Seen it before, but goodies never go out of style.

starting anew

I love this, I love this! But please, are you a man or a woman? I was married to a one of a kind man before he died suddenly of a heart attack while making a sandwich 9 months ago. But I still appreciate this!!

canondave1 Loc: Houston, TX

You had me hook, line, and sinker at first!

pmsc70d Loc: Post Falls, Idaho

As a soon-to-be retired husband, I appreciate the thoughtful advice.

hankm1 Loc: Mount Prospect IL

I are a man who doesn't agree at all with the advice provided by the retired husband. Ooops, I have to sign off now - my wife's coming in from chopping the firewood!
Hank

starting anew

Ha ha ha! You're quite the caveman, Hank! So while the little wife is chopping firewood, are you out killing bears with your bare hands to provide dinner??? Or at least grabbing fish as they jump out of the water...
Jody

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

Heard another story of a man who bought his wife a brand new pair of expensive golf shoes for her birthday. No one really knew she was an avid golfer but thought it was a very nice gift. He said that she was not an avid golfer but while watching her cut the grass one day he had a great idea of showing how much he cared for her by giving her these shoes to help her save time. He figured that if she wore the golf shoes while cutting the grass it would enable her to aerate the lawn at the same time. Don't know how that is working out. Haven't seen him in a while.