One quiet morning, a wife walked into the kitchen and noticed a folded note stuck to the fridge with a magnet. The familiar handwriting belonged to her husband. Curious, she began to read:
My dear wife,
You will surely understand that I have certain needs that you, being 57 years old, can no longer satisfy. Please don’t take this the wrong way — I am still very happy with you, and I value you as a good wife.
However, after much thought, I’ve decided to spend the evening with my 19-year-old secretary at the Comfort Inn Hotel. It’s nothing personal — simply something I must do.
Please don’t be upset. I shall be home before midnight.
With love,
Your husband
The wife read the letter twice, smiled faintly, and quietly went about her morning routine. Later that evening, when her husband returned home — tired, disheveled, and wearing a self-satisfied grin — he found another note waiting for him on the dining table.
My dear husband,
Thank you for your honesty in reminding me that I am 57 years old. I would like to return the favor by reminding you that you, too, are 57.
As you know, I teach mathematics at the local college. While you were away, I reflected on your message and realized that fairness should be reciprocal. Therefore, I am currently at the Hotel Fiesta with Michael — one of my students and also the assistant tennis coach. He is young, energetic, and, coincidentally, 19 years old — the same age as your secretary.
Being a businessman, you surely appreciate numbers and equations. So, you’ll understand that while we are in similar situations, there is one crucial mathematical difference between us:
19 goes into 57 more times than 57 goes into 19.
For that reason, my dear, I will not be home until sometime tomorrow.
Warm regards,
Your brilliant wife