Still doing things 'properly'

I've just come to realise after reading your replies that I'm actually living with both my father and father in-law!

I love that story keepcalm. Actually I love watching tradesmen working. All the gadgets they use and how they do things. So I could be that old lady in a deckchair in the corner of the kitchen. But I would be in shorts and a tee.

I think in OPs case her DH is maintaining control..of something, anything. I don't think she will change him now.

We were always away on holiday when my dad had his birthday. He always wore a shirt, tie and jacket on the beach (either Rhyl or Isle of Man, so never very hot). I bought him a cravat one year, so he swapped his tie for it. He was very natty on the beach that year.

My late Dad was a stickler for self presentation. Even in advanced old age and unwell he'd wear a tie with his pyjamas!
When he was working (as a GP) he'd often comment on elderly ladies who'd greet him wearing a hat even though they were ill in bed. Standards!!

Awww, that’s nice but sad too.😢

This reminds me of a sweet memory-
Many moons ago one of DH's customers, a lovely older gent set himself up with a garden chair in the corner of the room whilst DH fitted his brand new kitchen.
Every day for a week, only taking himself off to make them both a cup of tea & there was always a piece cake & a kitkat.
At the end of the fit he was a little teary and said how much he'd enjoyed himself.

Marg75

I don't think there is anything wrong with being in clean shorts a nice polo shirt and sandals on a very hot day. Getting on with an inside job he had lined up. Better to be busy and all about than the very highly tense person he is at the moment as said electician has yet to show up. He can still be alert to anything surely.

He’s anxious is all, many older men become this way as it’s loss of testosterone that affects them.Also men don’t multitask as women do, so he’s waiting for this task to be out of the way before he gets on with his day.It’s just the way he is and lots of men will be.

My mother always referred to a friend at work as Mrs. Smith and DH hates being called by his first name by people who don’t know him especially if it is accompanied by Hi! I have no strong feelings either way .

I don't think there is anything wrong with being in clean shorts a nice polo shirt and sandals on a very hot day. Getting on with an inside job he had lined up. Better to be busy and all about than the very highly tense person he is at the moment as said electician has yet to show up. He can still be alert to anything surely.

There is a certain poignancy to this. I think of my Dad in his suit on a Sunday, my mother always refered to people by their surname ( unless it was a friend), the little ritual of waiting on the doorstep before being invited in, not eating on the street which was deemed rude.

I’m with you Marg invite them in, offer a drink and let them get on, no hovering over them!

😁
He wants to give the best impression of himself as a competent and alert man who brooks no nonsense.Not a bad idea when dealing with anyone who comes into the home to do a paid job.

My husband is similar. He has high standards. Better than much of today’s sloppiness.