英文短篇故事（纽约）446 Complaining Wives

（单词翻译）

 　　Bob said, "Boy, does my wife complain. Yesterday, she complained that I didn't rinse¹ my mouth thoroughly² after brushing my teeth. She could still smell toothpaste on my breath³. She hates the smell of mint⁴." Bill said, "My wife's like yours. Yesterday, she complained that I left the toilet seat up. I did, but it was the first time in about six months. I mean, c'mon, give a guy a break." Bob said, "I've learned⁵ one thing over the years. If you say Yes, Dear often enough, loud enough, and fast enough, they complain less." Bill said, "But be careful. My wife complained last night that I said Yes, Dear too fast." Bob asked, "Too fast? How can you say it too fast?" Bill said, "She said that I said Yes, Dear before she had even finished talking. It proved that I wasn't listening—'as usual!'—to her every word."