Burn!

I think I've mentioned before that people in my family tend to have a sense of humor, so you'd darn well better have one if you want to run with us. Most people have no problem playing along, and over time, good family friends and significant others get in on the act, too. Sometimes a little too well.

Let's start this story chronologically, with my brother. A long time back, he was spending some time with his in-laws, and he joked to his mother-in-law that she was his favorite mother-in-law. Technically, this was a true fact. However, she didn't exactly have much competition.

His mother-in-law momentarily forgot this fact, so she was flattered. My brother's wife, however, knew that it was a joke, so she politely pointed out how many mother-in-laws my brother had (one). Everyone had a good laugh, and it turned in to a fun story.

Fast forward a few months, and somehow this story came up at dinner one night with my sister and her husband. Everyone chuckled. Me being me, I joked to my sister's husband that that made him my mother's favorite son-in-law. Cue more chuckles.

Without missing a beat, he said to me, "well, I am so far. Hopefully it stays that way, but that's on you, Sam." Dammit, he got me good. I laughed and tipped my metaphorical cap to him for a well-played joke.

My sister's reaction, however, summed it up perfectly: "Ooooh! Burn!" She then proceeded to give her husband a high-five with a look of pure glee on her face.

I'm going to have to be more careful around these folks. They've adapted a little too well, methinks.