Two prime ministers are sitting in a room discussing affairs of state. Suddenly a man bursts in shouting and stamping and banging his fist on the desk.
The resident prime minister admonishes him.
“Peter,” he says, “kindly remember rule number six,” whereupon Peter is instantly restored to complete calm, apologises, and withdraws.
The politicians return to their conversation, only to be interrupted yet again 20 minutes later by a hysterical woman gesticulating wildly, her hair flying.
Again, the intruder is greeted with the words: “Marie, please remember rule number six.” Complete calm descends once more, and she too withdraws with a bow and an apology.
When the scene is repeated a third time, the visiting prime minister addresses his colleague: “My dear friend, I’ve seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. Would you be willing to share with me the secret of rule number six?”
“Very simple,” replies the resident prime minister. “Rule number six is: ‘Don’t take yourself so seriously’.”
“Ah,” says his visitor, “that is a fine rule.” After a moment of pondering, he inquires, “And what, may I ask, are the other rules?”
“There aren’t any.”
Rule number six is a good rule for anyone in a relationship who’s looking for a daily dose of laughter. If you’re like most people, you can take life and yourself a little too seriously, and that always stunts laughter.
So lighten up. Relax. Remember what really matters. And remember rule number six.
See other stories in this series on bringing laughter to your relationship:
-
Story 2: Save the spark (by making fun of each other)
-
Story 3: Laugh when you don’t feel like it (for a healthier relationship)
-
Story 4: Look for the funny around you to put the fun back into your love life
-
Story 5: Find the funny bone in your partner – fill your relationship with laughter