“Martha,” Henry said one evening, “we’ve been married for nearly 50 years, and there’s something I need to ask you. Have you ever been unfaithful to me?”
Martha paused, then replied honestly, “Well, Henry… I have to tell you the truth. Yes, I’ve been unfaithful three times over the years—but always for a good reason.”
Henry was visibly shaken, though he tried to remain calm. “I never suspected anything,” he said quietly. “What do you mean by ‘good reasons’?”
Martha took a deep breath. “The first time was not long after we got married. We were about to lose our house because we couldn’t pay the mortgage. Do you remember the night I went to speak with the banker, and the next day he approved the extension?”
Henry nodded slowly. “Yes… I remember that.”
“I did what I had to do to save our home,” she said softly.
Henry sighed. “I suppose I can understand that… You saved our house. But what about the second time?”
Martha continued, “Do you remember when you were seriously ill and needed heart surgery, but we didn’t have the money to pay for it? I went to see your doctor one evening… and the next thing you knew, the surgery was done at no cost.”
Henry looked at her, stunned. “I remember… You did that to save my life.”
He shook his head, overwhelmed. “I can forgive you for that too. But… what about the third time?”
Martha hesitated for a moment, then said, “Well… do you remember when you ran for president of your golf club… and you needed 73 more votes?”
Henry stared at her.
Then he fainted.