How To Handle Older Women

My name is Ron..... Let me explain how I handle the situation with my wife, Julie.

When I took "early retirement" last year, it became necessary for Julie to get a full-time job for the extra income. Shortly after she started working I noticed she was beginning to show her age.

I usually get back from the Golf Course just before she gets home from work. Although she knows I'm hungry, she always has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to wake me when the dinner is on the table.

She used to do the dishes as soon as we'd finished eating. Now, they sit on the table for several hours. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her that, "They won't clean themselves". I know she appreciates this, as it does motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.

Now that she has gotten older, she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Our washer and dryer are in the basement. Sometimes she says she just can't make another trip down those steps. I don't make a big issue of this, 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.

Also, if I've had a day on the course and it was wet and muddy, my clubs are a mess, so I let her clean them. My golf bag is heavy so I lift it out of the trunk for her. Women are delicate and can't lift heavy stuff as good as men.

Another symptom of aging is complaining. For example, she will say it's difficult 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 2 or even 3 days! That way she won't have to rush so much.

She even complains of having to carry heavy groceries from the supermarket. I have told her, if the shopping's heavy, make 2 trips.

I also remind her that missing lunch now and then wouldn't hurt her (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 lawn. I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, and 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.

Guys, if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing this was well worth while.

Signed, Ron.

UPDATE:
Ron died suddenly last Thursday. He was found with a extra long 50 inch Big Bertha Driver rammed up his posterior, with only 2 inches of the grip showing. His wife Julie was arrested, but an all-woman Grand Jury accepted her defence that he accidentally sat on it, and died.