A husband makes an exciting phone call to his wife in a nice suburban house. “Honey, I’ve been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a week-long fishing trip in China with my boss.” This may be the golden ticket I’ve been looking for to land that coveted promotion.

Would you mind packing a week’s worth of clothes and setting out my fishing rod and tackle box? We’ll leave the workplace right away, and I’ll stop by the house to gather my belongings. Oh, and please remember to bring my beautiful blue silk pajamas.”

The wife, an astute observer with a good sense of intuition, sensed an ambiguity in her husband’s story. Nonetheless, she trusted him as a good wife should and followed his instructions to the letter. Her husband arrived home a week later, looking a little tired but unmistakably pleased with his journey. The wife, eager to hear about his journey, peppered him with questions.

She asked about the fishing, the day’s catch, and the entire experience. “Yes, we caught plenty of salmon, bluegill, and even a few swordfish,” the husband said. But why didn’t you bring my blue silk pajamas?” The wife answered with a sneaky grin and a glint in her eye, “Oh, I did.” They’re safe and sound in your fishing box.”

Her husband was astonished for a minute, recognizing that his wife had a 7th sense—a sense of humor that outwitted his attempt to fool her. They both laughed, their closeness enhanced by a shared jest and their unsaid understanding. At that time, they realized that love, trust, and a dash of wit were the essential components of a good marriage.