| On The Subject of Female Aging |
| Dear Abby, As women age it becomes harder for them to do the same things they once did with ease. When men notice this, they should try not to complain. Let me relate to your readers how I handle the situation. When I got laid off from my consulting job and took early retirement in April, Mary's full-time job became more important to her both for the income and for the health benefits we both needed. But, it was shortly after I started staying at home that I noticed she was beginning to show her age. We usually get home about the same time each day. Although she knows how hungry I am from fishing or hunting, 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 remember to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating but 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 are not cleaning themselves. I know she appreciates this, as it does seem to help her get them done before bed. Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly, too, bless her heart. Our washer and dryer are in the basement and I notice she sometimes just cannot make one more trip up and down those stairs. I don't make a big stink; as long as she finishes up the laundry the next evening I am OK with this. Not only that, but unless I need something specific ironed to wear to the Monday lodge meeting or Saturday's poker game or Wednesday's bowling or something like that, I will advise 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 dogs, vacuuming, and/or dusting. Also, if I have had a really good day of fishing, this allows her to clean the fish at a more leisurely pace. As she ages, Mary is starting to complain a little. 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 her 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 would not hurt her a bit, if you know what I mean. Yet, when doing simple jobs she now thinks she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the lawn. I try not to embarrass her in front of the neighbors. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for awhile. As long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me and take her break in the chair by the hammock so she can talk to me as I fall asleep. I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Mary on a daily basis. I'm not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult and some may find it totally impossible. No one knows better than I do just 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, Bruce Bruce's Funeral was held on Saturday, June 28th. (Mary was ACQUITTED on Monday, June 30th.) |
|
|