As laughter echoed across the quiet lake, they noticed the fourth man had been silent the entire time. Finally, one of them asked, “Alright, your turn — what did you have to do to get a free day?”
The fourth man leaned back, eyes twinkling, and said with a grin, “Honestly, I didn’t promise anything.” The others stared, confused. “This morning,” he continued, “I set my alarm for 5:30. When it went off, I turned to my wife and whispered, ‘Fishing or breakfast in bed?’” He paused for effect. “She rolled over, pulled up the blanket, and said, ‘Don’t forget your jacket.’”
For a moment, the group was silent — and then burst into laughter. His story wasn’t about bargaining or hard labor. It was about timing, wit, and knowing exactly how to play the moment.
The other men shook their heads, still laughing. “Guess we’ve been working too hard for permission,” one said. “Next time, we’re all setting alarms!”
The trip continued with lighter spirits — the fishing, the laughter, and the shared understanding that marriage, like fishing, requires patience, creativity, and a sense of humor.
Moral of the story: sometimes, the smartest move isn’t the biggest promise — it’s the cleverest one.
What about you? Have you ever had to negotiate for a “day off” from home life? Share your funniest or most creative story below!