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Dear Friends, 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 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 got laid off from my consulting job and took "early retirement" in April, it became necessary for Nancy to get a full-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we need. It was shortly after she started working 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, instead I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she finally does get supper on the table. She used> to do 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. Now that she is 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. 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 lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or to Tuesday's 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 a really good day of fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more leisurely pace. Nancy is starting to complain a little occasionally. 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. She had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not to 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 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. 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. Signed, Bob . . . Bob's funeral was on Saturday, January 25th. Nancy was acquitted Monday, January 27th
I Want in a Man, Original List I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32); Handsome Charming Financially sucessful A caring listener. In good shape Witty Appreciates finer things full of thoughtful surprises An imagination, romantic lover. Nice looking Opens car doors, holds chairs Has enough money for a nice dinner Listens more than talks. Laughs at my jokes Carries bags of groceries with ease Owns at least one tie. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal Remembers birthdays and anniversaries Seeks romance at least once a week I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 42)Not too ugly Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally. Nods head when I'm talking Usually remembers punch lines of jokes Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture Wears a shirt that covers his stomach Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids Remembers to put the toilet seat down Shaves most weekends What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52) Doesn't belch or scratch in public. Doesn't borrow money too often. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting Doesn't retell the same joke too many times Is in good enough shape to get off couch on weekends. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear. Appreciates a good TV dinner Remembers your name on occasion Shaves some weekends What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62) Doesn't scare small children. Remembers where bathroom is Doesn't require much money for upkeep Only snores lightly when asleep Remembers why he's laughing Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself Usually wears some clothes Likes soft foods Remembers where he left his teeth Remembers that it's the weekend What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72) Breathing. Doesn't miss the toilet.
