Sep 23, '08
" TUTORIAL FOR THE MENACE "
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, be considerate and understanding . Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an over-sensitive woman.
My name is Girish, Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Rani .
A few years before I climbed upon the senior citizen podium, I took "early retirement" . It became necessary for Rani 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.
I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club so eating dinner out is not a reasonable solution. I'm ready for some home cooked grub when I hit that door. 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, like an understanding husband , I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table.
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 does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.
I really think my experience as a teacher helps a lot. I consider "telling people what they ought to do" to be one of my strong points.
Now that she has gotten older, she does seem to get tired so much more quickly. Our washer and dryer are in the basement. Some-times she says she just can't make another trip down those steps. I don't make a big issue of this, for I am considerate; as long 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, needlework or repairing errands.
Also, if I've had a really good day on the course and it was wet and muddy, my clubs are a mess, so I let her clean them, you know...get the grit off the grips and a little light Brillo on the club faces at a casual pace. I am aware that women are delicate, have weak wrists and can't lift heavy stuff as good as men. Being an cultured person and knowing that my golf bag is heavy, so I lift it out of the trunk for her.
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 awhile. 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. That way, she can talk with me until I fall asleep.
Sunday’s is one day I love to laze around, watch my favorite TV programs and make sure to be with my wife the whole day. I have forgone the breakfast bit for her comfort so that it doesn’t interfere with her vacuuming , dusting and changing of linens in the house. Every hour I do insist that she take a little rest, sit besides me gossiping over a cup of tea, which would refresh her. An early lunch and then I retire for my afternoon siesta, leaving her to relax and to complete in her own good time the weekly purchases of groceries and other items from the market. I sincerely do not complain when she rings the door bell and wakes me up on her way back from the market, for it’s time for another cup of tea and most importantly to remove her stress and fatigue.
I am very caring and understanding husband , very concerned for her wellbeing. To ease her of the monotonous routine, to liven up her spirit and for her entertainment I always invite a few friends over for drinks and dinner every weekend. I make sure not to burden her much , I look after the purchase of the liquor, soda , snacks and sweetdish while she just has to cater to the arrangement of the preparation of dinner and respond to the virtues of a good hostess.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Rani . I'm not saying that showing this much consideration and understanding 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 , it will be an worthwhile endeavor. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.
* FLASH NEWS *
SUNDAY, 21st Sept.
Miraculous escape for a man identified as Girish,aged 60 years.
He was found with a Calloway extra long 24-inch Big Bertha Driver II rammed up his butt, with only 2 inches of grip showing.
Hospitalized in critical state.
Wife Rani suspected and arrested.
* FLASH NEWS *
MONDAY, 22nd Sept.
The all-woman Grand Jury of Special Session Court accepted her defense that he accidentally sat on it, and she was
" HONORABLY EXONERATED ! "
" HARI OM TAT SAT !
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