Criticize

In a small town, there lived a middle-aged couple. They didn't have kids. In front of their small house, they had a small stall of food, where they use to sell breakfast and lunch. The couple was very hardworking. The lady used to cook lip-smacking food and the man use to sell it and attend to the customers. They use to sell fresh and delicious food at a very reasonable price. People use to enjoy their food. This was their only way of earning a livelihood.

The lady was a very good cook. People use to praise her for her food. Nobody ever said that the food was bad. The only critic she ever had was her husband.

Every time she served him food, he used to criticize her. He used to say either the food was too salty, too oily, it had not cooked properly, or there would be some or the other way he would say that she was not able to cook the food properly.

The poor lady used to feel very bad about such behaviour of her husband. Does she use to think why does he treat me so badly ?? When the whole town was praising her food, her husband was the only one who used to say that she can't cook food properly.

In the 23 year's of their marriage, she had always heard the same things from him. At last, she was fed up one day and decided to ask her husband that what was his problem, why does he behave like this ??

The next morning she served him breakfast and the same thing happened, he said the idly is fine but the coconut chutney is somewhat sour. Now she was angry with him and asked him why he does this to her every day. She started crying.

The old man's heart melts away. He said indeed you are a very good cook and I really appreciate your cooking skills. The whole town is praising your food then who I am to say it bad.

For some time the lady got confused, stopped crying and looked at him. He was smiling. He said I love you a lot dear and I love your cooking too. But if someone criticizes your food I am the one who will be badly hurt by this. You are my treasure, you are my queen. I want everyone should praise your food.

I know I criticize you a lot but that is for your betterment. She said yes dear, I am understanding now what are you saying. Every time u criticize, I put little more effort and try to cook with perfection. It is you all these years who had helped me improved my cooking. You were always there for me and I misunderstood you, please forgive me, dear.

The man said love is not always gifts, roses or praises. Sometimes it can be criticizing your partner so that they can put a little extra effort and achieve the impossible.

Thank you!