Switched Realities: A 40th Anniversary Experiment in Empathy

Husband Shuts Up Wife Thinking He Is Always Right, On Their 40th Anniversary They Switch Places

Edith’s husband refused to grant her wish to spend their honeymoon in Paris! Thus, she lived frugally and saved for forty years in order to fulfil her ambition.

Edith Dalton had dreamed of going to France since she was a young child. She had said, hesitantly, that she would have loved a honeymoon in Paris after accepting Hank’s marriage proposal, but her new fiancé had let her down.

“France?” he had mocked. “You really think I’ll spend that much money on a honeymoon when I really need a new car? Never stop dreaming!”

After forty years of marriage, Edith had dutifully continued to dream, and now her dream was finally coming true.

Edith had pledged to see France if it came to that, and for forty years she had saved up every money that came her way. Meanwhile, Edith continued her French studies, learning as much as she could about French cuisine, art, and culture.

To her credit, Edith accomplished all of this while taking care of three kids, filling in as a substitute teacher, and putting up with Hank. Although Hank wasn’t the most pleasant man, he was trustworthy, diligent, and, in his own unique way, he loved Edith and their kids.

Thus, years passed, her kids grew up, and Edith grew older—all the while dreaming of romance and adventure. She finally realised it was now or never when she woke up one day.

At sixty-seven years old and seventy-two years old, Hank and Edith might not remain young and energetic for much longer—Hank, in particular, had been putting on weight since retirement.

Edith planned a celebration for their fortieth wedding anniversary and invited all of their friends and family because she thought it would be the ideal time to surprise Hank.

Edith revealed the news during the climax of the celebration. “As you all know,” she murmured, “Hank and I have been in love for forty years, and I think it’s time for a second honeymoon!”

With a beaming smile, Edith gave Hank a huge envelope bearing the words “Bon Voyage” inscribed in large, gold letters. When Hank finally cracked open the envelope, his jaw dropped. With a pout, he said, “Tickets to Paris?”

Excitement was virtually making Edith leap up and down. “Oh I want you to have the best time, Hank!” she gasped. “Everything has been planned and paid for, and the trip is absolutely five stars! In one week, we depart!”

Hank was far from happy, but he couldn’t very well grumble in front of their family and friends, so he smiled and thanked Edith. He had never left Minnesota in his life, and he didn’t even know how to speak French.

Though Hank wasn’t the kind to explore the world, he wasn’t going to let Edith rule him! Hank seized command as soon as their feet set foot on French soil.

Despite being aware that Edith could speak French, he never gave her an opportunity. Persuaded that the louder he spoke, the better the French would comprehend, Hank spoke to them loudly.

Things weren’t all that bad when they were in Paris; after all, the City of Lights was the global hub, and English was always spoken there. As soon as they started driving into the south of France, things became increasingly difficult.

Hank was certain he understood everything perfectly, but the GPS was in French, despite Edith’s excellent arrangements for a rented automobile. They consequently made a few impromptu detours and became disoriented.

Edith tried to ask Hank for instructions, but he refused. “Edith, we’ve done just fine without any of that Frenchified lingo,” Hank stated with a superior air.

After a long drive, they arrived to a stunning walled town close to Toulouse that afternoon. Edith had made reservations at one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in France.

Edith was looking forward to the chef’s well-deservedly famed culinary creations, since it was so famous that reservations had to be made months in advance. It did not impress Hank.

“What’s this got that a grill hasn’t, I’d like to know!” With a loud snort, Hank embarrassed Edith to the point where she blushed.

“Hank, the chef is one of the best…” Edith spoke quietly.

I think you got taken in, Hank said, raising his voice even more when he realised he was upsetting Edith. “Best?” I want to know how much this is going to set us back.

At that point, a little tray of amuse-bouche and the menus were brought over by the server. Hank examined the menu. It was, of course, in French. All Hank could make out of it was the prices listed beside each dish.

“Hank,” Edith murmured. “Would you like me to translate…”

Hank gave her a sidelong glance. “Definitely not. I can place my own food order!” he remarked icily. Pointing to something on the menu, he asked for the waiter. With a cry, “This one!”

When Edith realised what he was requesting, she made the decision to step in. “Listen, Hank, maybe…”

Saying, “I know what I want, Edith,” Hank spoke. “You just take care of yourself!” “Bring us some vino!” he added, giving the waiter a wink.

Edith remarked, “It’s ‘vin’ Hank, vino is Spanish.”

“Don’t correct me!” Hank spoke angrily. “For these prices, monsieur here will speak Spanish or anything I want!”

Thus, Edith placed her own order for food in perfect French and remained silent as they awaited their order. When Hank saw the appetising nibbles they gave Edith, he appeared a little grumpy, even though he had ordered some sort of dark stew.

He was displeased to see that Edith was clearly enjoying every bite as though it were mana from heaven, even though he wasn’t very fond of it either! He would demonstrate to her. With a wave of his palm, Hank pushed in every last piece of stew.

He yelled, “You there!” to the classy waiter. “Get me some more!”

“Hank,” Edith mutely said. “I don’t think you can ask for seconds…”

“Look at these prices!” Hank sneered. “I can ask for gold-plated seconds!” The server was perplexed, but he disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a hearty helping of stew.

Hank devoured the second plate with a manly demeanour, smacking his lips and using a piece of bread to mop up the sauce. “Edith, what’s wrong? “Am I embarrassing you?” he questioned with a sneer.

Edith grinned. “Not at all, my dear,” she answered with a gentle smile.

The waiter returned shortly after Hank was done, carrying a plump man wearing a chef’s hat. The man spoke in English with a strong accent. “Are you the courageous American, sir? I want to give you a handshake.”

With a smile, Hank stood up and gave the cook a fist pump. “Hello there! That’s quite considerate of you! But how are you aware of my bravery?”

With a smile on his face, the chef said, “Because no American has ever eaten my goat-testicle stew before and asked for more!”

Hank went weird green-grey and hurried to the door. Edith could no longer contain her laughter and was relieved that he was no longer around. Once she got herself in order, she stepped outside and discovered Hank propped up against the vehicle. being grumpy and ill.

“Hank, are you okay?” she inquired softly.

“You…” Hank gave a gasp. “You KNEW…”

With sweetness, Edith remarked, “I’m sorry, Hank. “But you told me you knew what you were doing and I’d never doubt you…”

The following day, Edith and the reserved Hank carried on with their tour of La Belle France, but from that point on, he always looked to his wife for assistance with everything and requested that she interpret every menu.

Hank was a different man when they returned to the United States—a kind and considerate spouse who paid attention to his wife. He had clearly learnt his lesson.

What lessons may we draw from this tale?

• The intelligent are never afraid to acknowledge their ignorance. Hank was eager to show that he didn’t need Edith since he was upset that she knew something that he didn’t.

• Remain modest; arrogance invariably ends in disaster. Despite Edith’s warnings, Hank’s conceit caused him to have the worst eating experience of his life.