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.
Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is the perfect choice if you’re in the mood for a tasty and flavorful burger. This traditional recipe makes a delicious patty that will satisfy any burger enthusiast by combining juicy ground beef with thinly sliced onions.
Ingredients needed to make the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger are as follows:
One large onion, peeled and cut in half, then thinly sliced
Add pepper and salt.
One pound of ground beef
One spoonful of butter
A single spoonful of vegetable oil
four to eight pieces of American cheese
Pickles, mustard, and mayo to serve
4 toasted hamburger buns
Here’s how to prepare this mouthwatering burger:
To begin, place the thinly sliced onions in a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well. In a colander, let the onions sit for thirty minutes, stirring from time to time. Next, move the onions to a sanitized dish towel and extract as much liquid as you can.
Arrange the drained onions onto four distinct stacks on a baking sheet with a rim. Four evenly sized balls of ground beef should be placed on the onion mounds. Firmly press down so that the onions stick to the beef to create 4 inch-diameter patties. Give the steak a liberal amount of salt and pepper.
Melt the butter and vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Turn the patties over carefully so that the onion side is facing down in the skillet. Simmer the onions for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and beginning to crisp up around the edges. After turning the burgers over, turn the heat up to high and continue cooking for about two minutes, or until the second side is nicely browned.
Top each burger with one or two slices of American cheese, then let it melt. In the meantime, sprinkle the top buns with mustard, pickles, and mayo. Put a burger on the bottom bun and cover it with the top bun once the cheese has melted.
The ideal blend of tender beef, crunchy onions, and smooth, melted cheese may be experienced when the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are served right away. The ideal way to enjoy these burgers is with a cold drink and your favorite sides. Try this recipe to make a unique and delicious handmade burger that will wow your family and friends.
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