[SOC] Tactful is Best

[Walter - K5EST]

Remember Tactful is best


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 Jeff. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my
wife, Susie.

Since I retired several years ago, it has become necessary for Susie 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 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 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  Susie.
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.

Sincerely, Jeff


  EDITOR'S  NOTE:

Jeff died suddenly on  March 1 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 lying  nearby.

His wife Susie was arrested and charged with  murder. The
all-woman jury took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty,
accepting her defense  that Jeff somehow, without looking,
accidentally sat down on  his golf club.

....nnnn....