“Martha, soon we will be married 50 years, and there’s something I have to ask. Have you ever been unfaithful to me?” Henry inquired, his voice wavering with uncertainty.

Martha replied, “Well Henry, I have to be honest with you. Yes, I’ve been unfaithful to you three times during these 50 years, but always for a good reason.”

Henry was obviously hurt by his wife’s confession, but said, “I never suspected. Can you tell me what you mean by ‘good reasons’?”

Martha said, “The first time was shortly after we were married, and we were about to lose our little house because we couldn’t pay the mortgage. Do you remember that one evening I went to see the banker and the next day he notified you that the loan would be extended?

Henry recalled the visit to the banker and said, “I can forgive you for that. You saved our home, but what about the second time?”

Martha nodded and continued, “And do you remember when you were so sick, but we didn’t have the money to pay for the heart surgery you needed? Well, I went to see your doctor one night and, if you recall, he did the surgery at no charge.”

Henry sighed, “I recall that. And you did it to save my life, so of course I can forgive you for that. Now tell me about the third time.”

Martha took a deep breath and said, “All right, do you remember when you ran for president of your golf club, and you needed 73 more votes…?”

Henry fainted on the spot.