Every night after dinner,Merle took off for the local watering hole.  He would spend the whole evening thereand always arrive home, quite inebriated, around midnight each night.

    He usually had troublegetting his key to fit the keyhole and couldn't get the door open.  And every timethis happened, his wife would go to the door and let him in.  Then she would proceedto yell and scream at him, for his constant nights out and always coming home in a drunken state.  But Merle just continued his nightly routine.

    One day, the wife wastalking to a friend about her husband's behavior and was particularly distraught by itall.

    The friend listened andsaid, "Why don't you treat him a little differently when he comes home?  Insteadof berating him, why don't you give him some loving words and welcome him home with akiss?  Then he might change his ways."

    The wife thought that thismight be a good idea.

    That night, Merle took offagain after dinner.  And at about midnight, he arrived home in his usual condition.

    His wife heard him at thedoor.  She quickly opened it and let Merle in.

    Instead of berating him asshe had always done, this time she took his arm and led him into the living room.  She sat Merle down in an easy chair, put his feet up on the ottoman and took hisshoes off.  Then she went behind him and started to cuddle him a little.  Aftera little while, she said to Merle, "It's pretty late, dear.  I think we hadbetter go upstairs to bed now, don't you think?"

    At that, in hisinebriated state he replied, "I guess we might as well.  I'll get in trouble when I gethome anyway!"