[AngieP]

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 Pete. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Sandy.

When I took 'early retirement' last year, it became necessary for Sandy to get a full-time job along with her part-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 club 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 has to take a break when she is 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 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 Sandy. 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 can be as they get older.

However, guys, even if because of this article you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.

Signed, Pete

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Pete died suddenly on 2 May of a perforated rectum. The police report says he was found with a Calloway extra-long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf club jammed up his anus, with barely five inches of grip showing and a sledgehammer lying nearby. His wife Sandy was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took only 15 minutes to find her not guilty, accepting her defense that Pete somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club very quickly.

[philomena83]

That is hilarious!

[Faith]

OMG, Angie! I need to send that to every woman I know! Thank you!!!

[Samantha85VA]

haha!!

[AngieP]

I thought it would be well received by the AFC group!!

[LisaArbo]

I'm gonna have to give a copy of that to my friend Judy. She is actually married to a "PETE", and was just complaining about this the other day.

She had spent all day scrubbing and shampooing the carpets. Pete noticed the bills laying on the table and that the check book needed balanced.

He actually had the nerve to say, "Maybe instead of shampooing the carpets you could have balanced the checkbook."

Thanks Ang! That was great!

[BridgetV]

Originally Posted by angpereces

I
The all-woman jury took only 15 minutes to find her not guilty, accepting her defense that Pete somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club very quickly.

OMGosh. I almost choked on the M&M I was eating! I have a really bad visual in my head now!

[Faith]

Angie, I showed it to my Sweetie, and he told me it was a REALLY good thing that he didn't play golf!

[AngieP]

Originally Posted by Faith

Angie, I showed it to my Sweetie, and he told me it was a REALLY good thing that he didn't play golf!

That's funny Faith~~my dh plays golf like once or twice a year~~but not to worry, he's so far from "Pete" that there's never a chance of an accident with his clubs~~

[332pca]

This is so funny - I laughed so much tears were running down my face.

[LyndaSLP]

[broken_angel50423]

Read it to my DH, he loved it! Thanks for posting it.