Yachting and Boating World forums: Age & women

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 shout at them. Some are over-sensitive and

there's nothing worse than an over-sensitive woman.

My name is Ron. Let me relate how I handled 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 that we

need.

Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show

her age. I now usually get home from the pub about the same time she

gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she nearly

always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts

dinner. I don't shout 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

at the pub so eating out again is out of the question; I'm ready for some

home cooked food when I get home.

She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. But now it's

usual 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 ageing is complaining. For example, she will say

that it is difficult for her to do the shopping during her lunch hour.

But we take them 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 won't hurt her. 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 rest when she has only half finished mowing the lawn

and several extra breaks when she's vacuuming through the house. It

does annoy me, vacuuming when I'm trying to watch 'Match of the Day',

but I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to make

herself a nice cup of tea 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 Julie.

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 get as they get older. However,

even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your

ageing 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,

eh?

Ron

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Ron died suddenly last week. He was found with a 24-inch Stanley

screwdriver rammed up his arse with only 2 inches showing.

His wife Julie was arrested, but the all-woman jury accepted her

defence that he accidentally sat on it.

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