ADVICE FROM A RETIRED HUSBAND.
It is important for men to remember that as women grow old, 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 or make a fuss. Some women are over sensitive, and there's nothing worse than an over sensitive woman.
My name is John. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife Lin, in the hope it will be of some help to all you guys out there.
When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Lin to get a full time job along with her part time job. This was necessary both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed. Soon after she started her extra job I noticed she was beginning to show her age.
I usually get home from the golf club about the same time as Lin arrives home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when dinner's on the table. I generally have lunch in the Mens 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. Again I don't make a fuss. 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 the job done before we go to bed.
Another symptom of aging is complaining. For example she will say that it is difficult for her to find the time to pay the monthly bills in her lunch hour. But boys we take 'em for better or worse, so I just 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 now and then wouldn't hurt her any---if you know what I mean. I like to think that tact is one of my strong points.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Lin. I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy.
Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible! However, guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife. I will consider that writing this article was well worth while.
Signed,
John.EDITORS NOTE.John died suddenly earlier this year 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 Lin was arrested and charged with murder. The all woman jury took only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty. Accepting her defence that John, somehow accidentally sat down on his own golf club. 
