[BITList] Retired Advice

[FA]

 > ADVICE FROM A RETIRED HUSBAND
 >
 > 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 Ron.
 > Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Carol Anne.
 >
 > When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Carol
 > Anne 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 an option in the evening.
 > 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 paythe 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 had to take a break when she was only half-finished 
mowing the
 > yard.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
 > Carol Anne.I'm not saying that showing this much patience & 
consideration is
 > easy.
 > Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible!
 > Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get 
older.
 > However, Guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less
 > criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider 
that
 > writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth 
to help each
 > other.
 > EDITOR'S NOTE:
 > Ron died suddenly on January 31 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 rear end, with barely 5 inches
 > of grip showing, and a sledge hammer laying nearby.His wife Carol 
Anne was arrested and charged with murder.
 > The all-woman jury took only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty,
 > accepting her defense that Ron, somehow without looking,
 > accidentally sat down on his golf club.
 >