April 4, 2007
My wife, Julie, says she’s “thisclose” to being full-blown menopausal. She can’t sleep. She gets night sweats. When it’s time to pick up the kids at school she’s ready for a nap.
I wake in the middle of the night to find her watching HGTV or black and white movies on TMC. She’s having some crazy dreams.
One night she so drenched with sweat she had to change her PJs.
I’m just giddy about the prospects of this life-changing experience for both of us that I want to record every nuance. Sure, I won’t be having the hot flashes, but I will likely be the one walking on eggshells.
So, I want to create a memory book to document all the “firsts,” as well as the peaks and valleys associated with this malady called menopause. Heck, if new moms can do it for their infants, why can’t I?
Truth be told, I figure I can use the memory book as ammunition for when I become a crotchety old man and she lists my many sins.
So, ladies, what kind of symptoms should I be on the lookout for?
What behavior should I consider “irritable”? Why is she crying for no reason? What’s this thing called bloating? Should I duck when she has a mood swing? What is happening when she forgets what she is saying in mid-sentence?
Do chocolates and bouquets of flowers help?
What am I missing that I should be watching out for?
I’m all ears.
Comments
Babalax (anonymous) says...
Chocolate and flowers= good! You can't go wrong. Wait a minute... IF she's feeling bloated and fat and you give her chocolate then she may become irritated. Stick with flowers, much safer. Bloating is the uncomfortable feeling that you weigh more than you actually do because your pants are too tight. Very annoying! YOU will need an unending supply of patience. This cannot be stressed enough. And a sense of humor. Seems like you have that covered.
Good luck!
April 4, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amazonratz (anonymous) says...
I would mainly look out for the book, flying toward your head at a high velocity....I suggest monthly massages for your wife, paid for by you. You'll both be happier.
April 4, 2007 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sreisetter (anonymous) says...
You'd better not be writing in that book when she is having one of her mood swings. You may just get it up along side of the head. No they are not hot flashes, they are power surges, to bad they can't bottle those puppys!!! the light company would have nothing on women over the age of 50.
April 5, 2007 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bethboeck (anonymous) says...
As nuts as the 'scrapbook' idea sounds I'm actually encouraged knowing a husband might take the time to notice his wife this much. I would find it amazing if my husband ever put a photo in an album much less make a scrapbook. Maybe if they made a scrapbook of thier marriage in midlife if would be more fun for them both and much safer for him.
Flowers and chocolate are always welcome but a ready hug, backrub, offer to cook dinner, weed the garden or just kind words can go even futher.
How about packing her own personal cooler with some ice and water for her to keep by her bedside along with a nice reading light and few good novels as well. But be prepared to acknowlege that sometimes she is going to feel to miserable to enjoy his kind gestures. Any kindness he extends now might ensure that she'll treat him better when he is a crotchety old man.
April 12, 2007 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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