Any Good Jokes?

[PappaJohn]

TREAT YOUR SPOUSE WITH CONSIDERATION

By BOB

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 they did
when they were younger. When men notice this, they should try not to yell.

Let me relate how I handle the situation. When I got laid off from my
consulting job and took "early retirement", it became necessary for Nancy to
get a full-time job, both for the extra income and for health benefits that
we need. She was a trained medical transcriptionist when we met
twenty-eight years ago and was fortunate to land a job at a local
transcription house.

It was shortly after she started working at this job that I noticed that
she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from fishing or
hunting about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how
hungry I am, she almost always says that she has to rest for half an hour or
so before she starts supper.

Instead, I tell her to take her time. I understand she is not as young as
she used to be. I just tell her to wake me when she finally does get supper
on the table.

She used to wash the dishes as soon as we finished eating. It is now not
unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after supper. I do
what I can by reminding her several times each evening that they aren't
cleaning themselves. I know she appreciates this, as it does seem to help
her get them done before she goes to bed.

Our washer and dryer are in the basement. When she was younger, Nancy used
to be able to go up and down stairs all day and not get tired. Now that she
is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Sometimes she says
that she just can't make another trip down those steps. I don't make a big
issue if this. As long as she finishes up the laundry the next evening I am
willing to overlook it.

Not only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to the Monday
lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or Tuesday's or
Thursday's bowling or something like that, I will tell her to wait until
the next evening to do the ironing. This gives her a little more time to do
some of those odds and ends things like shampooing the dog, vacuuming or
dusting. If I have had a really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and
scale the fish at a more leisurely pace.

Nancy is starting to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you,
but just enough to notice. For example, she will say that it is difficult
for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. In
spite of her complaining, I continue to try to offer her 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.

When doing simple jobs she seems to think she needs more rest periods than
she used to have to take. A couple of weeks ago she said she had to take a
break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I overlook moments
like these because I realize it's just age talking.

In fact, I try not to embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest
breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly
squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. I even offer to have one with
her, as she may as well make one for me too, and take her break by the
hammock so she can talk with me until I fall asleep.

I could go on and on, but I think you know where I'm coming from. I know I
probably look like a saint in the way I support Nancy on a daily basis I'm
not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy.
Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible.

No one knows better than I how frustrating women can become as they get
older. My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest you make the effort.
Achieving the exemplary level of consideration I have attained is out of
reach for the average man.

However, guys, even if you just yell at your wife a little less often
because of this article, I will consider that writing it was worthwhile.

Bob

Editor's note: Bob's funeral was on Saturday.

PS: Nancy was acquitted on Monday