Our First April Fool's Day
Our very first April Fool's Day together is one which we will never forget. We had been married about 5 months.Our washer wouldn't work unless I sat on it to keep the lid down. Our refrigerator was an old sucker that Bob had tried to paint with spray paint. It turned out to be three different colors of aqua. It was horrid looking.
On April 1, 1964, we went shopping and Bob surprised me by saying I could pick out a new washer, dryer and refrigerator. Although we were going in debt, it was so exciting!
As the two of us left the store, hand in hand, Bob said he forgot to tell the salesman something and went back into the store alone. When he returned to the car, he smiled, and said "April Fool's!" and tore up the contract.
He said it was just all a joke because we really couldn't afford to go into debt for the appliances. Well, to put it mildly, I was ticked off. Communication ceased. It was a very quiet household that evening and the next morning.
When I arrived home from work the next day, the new washer, dryer and refrigerator were installed. Another big grin from Bob. The April Fool's joke was all a joke.
We can laugh about this now, but back when the joke happened, it wasn't funny. I was hurt. My trust in Bob lessened. Additionally, a pattern of my over reacting to Bob's jokes was set in our marriage for many years.
Things to Remember About Humor in Your Marriage
- Some jokes just aren't funny.
- Some things just can't be joked about.
- Some areas of our lives are not good for teasing.
- Some remarks can really hurt, even if they are said in jest.
So be careful on April Fool's Day. Do take delight in one another, but be sensitive, too!
