The topic of what constitutes a lasting and prosperous marriage has been a subject of ongoing discussion. While effective communication is often considered a crucial factor, a Japanese couple defied expectations by maintaining a 20-year marriage without saying a word. The surprising rationale behind their silent union adds an intriguing twist to their story.
A Japanese husband took the “silent treatment” to a whole new level.
The silent treatment entails the refusal to participate in verbal communication when someone is trying to engage and elicit a response. It is not unusual to observe a pause in communication following an argument.
However, can you imagine the difficulty of being married to a spouse who persistently avoids communication? This was the situation for a couple from the Nara region in Japan. Otou Katayama and his wife Yumi faced a prolonged two-decade rough patch in their relationship.
For decades, the man refrained from speaking to his wife, even though they lived under the same roof.
Otou Katayama continued to reside with his children and wife. Despite Yumi Katayama’s attempts to initiate conversations with her husband, she consistently faced a dearth of genuine responses. Instead, Otou communicated approval or disapproval through non-verbal cues, relying on grunts and nods.
Surprisingly, the idea of seeking a divorce or separation never crossed the wife’s mind. The couple even extended their family by welcoming a third child, all while Otou Katayama maintained his silent demeanor towards his wife.
The reason behind Katayama’s silence is even more surprising.
Years later, the father and husband elucidated the reasons behind imposing a 20-year silent treatment on his wife. Katayama believed he was lacking the attention he desired from his wife, feeling that her care was predominantly focused on their children.
Initially, he merely sulked about the situation, but over time, this evolved into a sense of jealousy toward his kids and his wife, who exhibited deep involvement in the upbringing of their offspring—perhaps a level of involvement that exceeded Katayama’s preferences.
Thanks to a TV show, husband and wife finally exchanged words after 20 years.
After two decades of silence, the adult children of the Japanese couple decided to take matters into their own hands. They approached a TV show, seeking assistance in resolving the longstanding conflict between their parents. TV Hokkaido stepped in to help the children witness Katayama speaking to his wife for the first time.
The children confessed that they couldn’t recall ever hearing a conversation between their parents. TV Hokkaido orchestrated a meeting between Otou and Yumi at a park, the same location as their first date many years ago. Unbeknownst to the spouses, their children, along with the audience, observed the emotional moment unfolding before their eyes.
After some initial hesitation, Otou Katayama finally mustered the courage to speak a few words to his wife, Yumi. In that moment, the husband felt a heightened sense of remorse and understanding regarding the situation. Katayama conveyed to his wife that he was aware of the pain and hardship his prolonged silence had caused her. Despite his regret, he also expressed gratitude to Yumi for standing by him throughout two decades of his silent period, which ultimately came to an end on that day.
Undoubtedly, the relationship between Otou and Yumi is distinctive, much like that of the couple from our previous article who, despite the woman’s disability and the criticism they faced, embarked on the journey of starting a family and became parents.
5 Ways to Tell if an Egg is Fresh or Rotten
When using eggs in recipes, have you ever felt dubious about their freshness? Because the white and yolk conditions of eggs are hidden by their shells, judging them can be challenging. Don’t worry, though; we’ll also provide some tips on how to cut down on egg-related food waste and provide you with some simple ways to tell if an egg is fresh.
The package of eggs you purchase from the grocery always includes a suggested use-by date. It may surprise you to learn that eggs cannot be sold in France seven days before to the minimum durability date specified on the packaging. When purchasing eggs straight from a henhouse, you should be aware that the use-by date is only a maximum of 28 days following the day of laying.
You can store eggs in the refrigerator for up to one month after the recommended use-by date, which is 58 days after they were laid, so don’t worry if the shells are not cracked or broken. Sufficient storage practices aid in preserving freshness, averting mold growth, and combating food waste. Do not forget to refrigerate your eggs to prevent any health hazards.
Eggs that have gone bad can smell weird, just like any other fresh product. Give an egg a whiff first if you wish to save it for later use and you see that its expiration date has passed. Eggs that have gone bad frequently smell bad and shouldn’t be consumed because they can have lost their vitamins and tasted different. Go ahead and promptly consume the egg by preparing an omelette, for example, if the fragrance seems natural to you.
You may also tell if an egg is still edible or has expired by using your eyes. Examine the shell thoroughly to minimize dangers. Mold may be present in the shell if it looks powdered, sticky, broken, or in any other dubious condition. Furthermore, in the event that the egg white or yolk exhibits any peculiar discoloration, such as blue, pink, black, or green, after being cracked into a bowl.
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