ANTOINETTE CLANCY,
Sir, - Over the past few years I have read articles and listened to talks on retirement. Most were aimed at men in paid employment. They were advised to plan early and get a hobby, and given tips on how to fill their days.
Not a word about Mrs Housewife retiring, other than that she might not want advice on how to do the shopping, etc. When man retires both he and society assume that Mrs Housewife will be delighted to continue in her "chosen occupation".
Back in 1960, when I got married, babies didn't usually arrive for nine months or more after the marriage; but even so, most women were compelled to give up their paid work to look after their husband and keep house.
Two years ago my husband retired and I did also. The reaction to this news among my friends has been as follows:
Q: What do you mean, you've retired?
A: We each do our own washing, shopping, coooking etc. and share all house cleaning.
Q (astounded): You mean you don't even cook your husband's dinner?
A: That's right.
Q. (even more astounded): He has to wash his own clothes!
A: Yes he does, and I wash mine.
Silence.
I'm not suggesting that this form of retirement be compulsory. Some women may like cooking and can't be restrained from leaping out of bed at the crack of dawn to cook breakfast and, later, all other meals. If a woman also wants to wash all dishes, floors and windows, dust, vacuum, do the laundry and ironing, then retirement for men only is fine.
However, if Mrs Housewife is the sort that did all this with a degree of dissatisfaction over the past 40 years or so, then it is possible that the sight and continued presence of her beloved husband with nothing to do (when not out playing) could be a problem.
Retirement for housewives means that both partners have time to enjoy their hobbies and the remainder of their time together. - Yours, etc.,
ANTOINETTE CLANCY,
The Cove,
Tramore,
Co Waterford.