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ORIGINAL: Yorkshiredom68

It is important for us 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 over sensitive women.
My name is Paul.Let me relate to you, how I handle the situation with my wife ,Christine.
Since I retired several years ago, because of ill health and disablement.It has become necessary for Christine to get a full time job along with her part time job.Both for extra income and the health benefits we need.Since she started her full time job as well as her part time job,I've noticed she was begining to show her age.I usually got home from the gym,rugby club,bookies or pub about the same time she gets in from work.Although she knows I'm hungry,she always says she has to rest for half an hour before she starts to make our tea.I don't yell at her ,I just tell her to wake me up when it is on the table I usually have a good dinner whilst out with my mates, so I can wait a little while for my tea.However I am always ready for some good home cooked food when I get in.
She used to wash the dishse as soon as we had finished eating,but not now.The plates etc, can wait several hours before she clears the table and washes up.I remind very diplomatically several times each evening, that they won't clear or wash themselves.She does appreciate this, as it does motivate to get them done before she goes to bed and she does not have to do them in the morning.
Another symptom of aging is complaining,I think.For example,she say's that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the bills during her lunch hour.Boys,we take them for better or for worse.So I just smile and offer encouragement.I tell her to do it over 2 or 3 days,that way she wont have to rush about so much.I also remind her that missing out lunch completely now and then won't do her any harm.(know what I mean boys).I think tact is one of my strongest points.
When doing easy jobs,she seems to think she needs more rest periods.She had to take a break when she had only half mown the lawn.Did I make a scene,no of course not,I'm a fair man.I told her to get herself a nice glass of cooling lemonade with ice and rest for 5 mins,while she was getting a glass of lemonade she may as well get me one too.
Now I may look a saint in the way I support Christine,I am not saying showing this much consideration is easy.Many of you men will find it difficult,some of you impossible to shake off your male chauvinist shroud.Nobody knows better than I do' how frustrating women get as they get older.
However men,even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article,I will consider it well worth writing.After all we are put on this earth to help each other.