[lfjokes] Support your wife

[Adam Shand]

Via: Mike Messick <mikem at tridigitalenterprises.com>

  Support Your Wife

  It is important for men to remember that as women grow older
  it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of
  housekeeping 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 retired four years ago, it became necessary for Gayle to
  get a full-time job both for extra income and for health insurance
  benefits that we need. She was a trained lab tech when we met
  thirty some years ago and was fortunate to land a job at the local
  medical center. It was shortly after she started working at this job
  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 at her when this
  happens. Instead, I tell her to take her time. I understand that
  she is not as young as she used to be. I just tell her to wake me
  when she finally does get supper on the table.

  She used to wash and dry 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.

  Our washer and dryer are in the basement. When she was younger,
  Gayle used to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not
  get tired. Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much
  more quickly. 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's lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturday's poker
  club or to Tuesday's or 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 had a really good day fishing, this allows her to
  clean the fish at a more leisurely pace. Gayle is starting
  to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you, but just
  enough for me to notice. 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 than she used to have to take. A couple of weeks ago she
  said she had to take a break when she was only half finished
  mowing the yard. I overlook comments like these because I realize
  it's just age talking.

  In fact, I try to not 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. 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 could go on and on, but I think you know where I'm coming from.
  I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support
  Gayle 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. My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest
  that you make the effort. I realize that achieving the exemplary
  level of showing consideration I have attained is out of reach for
  the average man. 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.

  Note: This article was found next to the author's body. The cause
  of death is still under investigation.