SV650.org - SV650 & Gladius 650 Forum - From Ron. What a thoroughly decent chap.

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, Julie. When I took "early retirement" last year, it became
necessary for Julie to get a full-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 course 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 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. 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 pay the 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 lawn.
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 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, 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.....

Signed,
Ron

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ron died suddenly on January 12th. The police report
says that he was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha
Driver II golf club rammed up his ass, with only 2 inches of grip
showing. His wife Julie was arrested and charged with murder; however,
the all-woman jury found her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that he
accidentally sat down on it very suddenly.