An older couple visits the doctor's office to settle an ongoing argument
which has given rise to a great deal of friction in their relationship.
Each is convinced the other is either deaf.....or just not listening.

From the moment the couple arrives at the reception desk until they are
ushered into the doctor's consultation room, they bicker ceaselessly. The
doctor regards them for a few moments, sizes up the situation, and settles
on a plan.

He tactfully asks the wife to step outside the room. He then instructs the
man as follows: "Here's what I want you to do. When you and your wife get
home, wait until you are on opposite ends of a quiet room, with her back
facing you. Then speak to her, and see if she responds. If not, keep
moving closer and speaking, until she hears you. In this way, you should
be able to figure out just how good her hearing is."

The man figures this sounds pretty simple-minded, but it's worth a try. So,
he and his wife return home, and he awaits his opportunity. Early that
evening, they are together in the kitchen. His wife opens the refrigerator
door. He casually moves to the opposite side of the room; his wife is facing directly away from him, looking inside the refrigerator. The moment has arrived.

In a conversational tone of voice, he inquires, "What's for dinner?"

Receiving no response, he moves toward the center of the kitchen, and
repeats, perhaps a bit louder, "What's for dinner?"

Once again, his question is met with silence.

Feeling frustrated, yet vindicated, he moves directly behind his wife and
fairly shouts, "What's for dinner?"

With that, his wife whirls around to face him and, seething with fury, she
screams back at him, "For the THIRD time......chicken!"