Tact

Guys, here are some lessons in tact that we can all learn from!

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

Since I retired several years a go, 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 befo re 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 ove r
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, Allen

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Allen 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 laying 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 Allen somehow, without looking,
accidentally sat down on his golf club.