The Understanding Husband!

[Musicqueen]

As women age...

It is important for men to remember that as women grow older it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping they did when they were younger. When men notice this, they should try not to yell. Let me relate how I handle the situation.

When I chucked my job and took early retirement a year ago, it became necessary for Nancy to get a full-time job both for extra income and for health insurance benefits that we need. She was a trained lab tech when we met thirty some years ago and was fortunate to land a job at the local medical center as a phlebotomies.

It was shortly after she started working at this job that I noticed that she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from fishing or hunting about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says that she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts supper. I try not to yell at her when this happens. Instead, I tell her to take her time. I understand that she is not as young as she used to be. I just tell her to wake me when she finally does gets upper on the table.

She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished eating. It is now not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after supper. I do what I can by reminding her several times each evening that they aren't cleaning themselves. I know she appreciates this, as it does seem to help her get them done before she goes to bed.

Our washer and dryer are in the basement. When she was younger, Nancy used to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not get tired.

Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Sometimes she says she just can't make another trip down those steps. I don't make a big issue of this. As long as she finishes up the laundry the next evening I am willing to overlook it. Not only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to the Monday's 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 things like shampooing the dog, vacuuming, or dusting.

Also, if I have had a really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more leisurely pace. Nancy is starting to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you, but just enough for me to notice. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to try to 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.

When doing simple jobs she seems to think she needs more rest periods than she used to have to take. A couple of weeks ago she said she had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard.

I overlook comments like these because I realize it's just age talking.

In fact, I try to not embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of
freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. I tell her that as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me and take her break by the hammock so she can talk with me until I fall asleep.

I could go on and on, but I think you know where I'm coming from.

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Nancy on a daily basis. I'm not saying that the ability to show this
much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some
will find it impossible. No one knows better than I do how frustrating women can become as they get older. My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest that you make the effort. I realize that achieving the exemplary level of showing consideration I have attained is out of reach for the average man. However guys, even if you just yell at your wife a little less often because of this article, I will consider that writing it was worthwhile.

(This was written by the deceased husband of a friend of mine!
He mysteriously passed on shortly after writing this. The cause of
death is still under investigation).

[AZB]

I don't even know why i even bothered to read half of this boring post.
Thats another reason why some of us need a "dog eat dog" section.

[Musicqueen]

AZB, that you were the first one to post a reply to this...
'cause when I first posted it, I was thinking that the person who wrote it must have been just like you!!!

[El Jefe]

I fully understand how compassionate one should be to his spouse as they age. I thought this was an excellent post...of course I haven't been married in 18 years.

[Criss Colon]

She sounds like just the kind of wife the "REAL MEN" of DR1 are looking for!Most "REAL MEN" don't want a wife,just a "Maid" who will keep the house "Ship Shape",and give "Sex On Demand" anyway!Could you please post "Nancy's" phone number?Her period of mourning probably didn't last too long!CRISCO

[AmbiorixPaulino]

Higher standards ladies, higher standards.

[Hillbilly]

Three guys in a bar, comparing wifes.

The first one, from Texas, said: "I done tol' her that if 'in the house wasn't spick and span, I'd have to whup her. Well, the first day, nothin' . The second day I didn't see nothin' . But the third day I seen a beautiful an'clean house. Jus' like I wanted it. All spick and span."

The second one, from California, said that he's told his wife that he needed the house to be more orderly and that he would have to change wives if it didn't happen and soon!. "Well, the first day I didn't see anything, The second day I didn't see anything, but on the third day everything was perfect. All the shelves neat, the fridge all neatly stocked. Truly a perfect house.

The third guy, from NYC said: " Hell, I told my old lady that I needed a gourmet meal on the table at 7 p.m. every night. And I needed good sex when I wanted it! No more "Headaches!" And I told her I would go out with my buddies when I felt like it.!
Well the first day I didn't see anything. the second day I didn't see anything. But on the third day....I could see a little out of my left eye!


HB