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, Julie. When I took "early retirement" last year, it became
necessary for Julie 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 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 Julie.
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...

Ron

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ron died suddenly Thursday May 26. He was
found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II rammed up his backside, with only 2 inches of grip showing...His wife Julie was arrested, but the all-woman Grand Jury accepted her defense that he accidentally sat down on it very suddenly.