A husband and wife got into a massive, earth-shattering argument. Out of options and completely furious, the husband decided to deploy his ultimate weapon: the silent treatment. He crossed his arms, clamped his jaw shut, and refused to utter a single syllable.
The wife stood in front of him, utterly unimpressed. “Oh, so that’s how we’re playing it?” she snapped. “Fine. I am going to count to ten. If you don’t break your silence and start talking to me by the time I hit ten, I am packing my bags and moving back to my mother’s house!”
The husband remained rigid as a statue, secretly celebrating. This is my chance for peace, he thought.
She began her countdown with dramatic emphasis: “One… Two… Three… Four… Five… Six… Seven… Eight…”
And then, she just stopped.
A long, excruciating silence filled the room. One minute passed. Then two. The wife just stood there, smiling serenely.
Unable to handle the suspense any longer, the impatient husband cracked. He threw his hands in the air and blurted out, “Well?! Why did you stop? Finish the countdown and get out!”
The wife’s smile widened into a triumphant grin. She clapped her hands together and said, “See? I knew you couldn’t resist talking to me! Now that you’ve broken your silence, I graciously accept your apology and I forgive you. I guess I’ll stay!”
