GAMES FOR HYSTERICAL COUPLES – GAME 4: REVERSE HEADACHE (PART 2)
“No, sorry—I can’t. That show gives me a headache.”
“Well, it’s my favorite show, and I want to watch it.”
“Don’t bother me right now. I have a headache.”
“Would you please switch the channel.”
“Then I’ll go watch it in the bedroom.”
“Suit yourself, but I’m not switching the channel, because that show will make my headache worse.”
Of course, the wife will be suspicious and may tell him she is not fooled by him—that she knows he is imitating her, and it is not going to work. But the husband should persevere despite her protests, bemusement, taunts, and the like, never letting on to her that he is playing a game, and always insisting that he really does have a headache. This is important, because if he lets up and admits he is just imitating her, the effect of the game will be lost. Indeed, this game (like every other paradoxical game in this book) relies on giving exacting performances that frustrate and wear down the “opponent.”
*97/196/1*
