Laughter is more than just a response to humor—it’s a natural stress reliever. It helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, promoting relaxation. Additionally, it’s great for heart health, as it improves blood flow and maintains healthy blood vessels, lowering the risk of heart problems.
That’s why we all enjoy a good laugh, especially from jokes that catch us by surprise, like this one:
A wife, feeling suspicious of her husband’s behavior, decided to check his phone. She stumbled upon three curious contact names:
- The Tender One
- The Amazing One
- Lady of My Dreams
Her heart raced as she dialed the first number.
Conversation 1
Mother: “Hello?”
Wife: “Hi, who am I speaking with?”
Mother: “This is David’s mom. Who’s this?”
Wife: (feeling embarrassed) “Oh, it’s Sarah. Sorry, I didn’t realize it was you.”
Mother: “No problem, dear. Is everything alright?”
Wife: “Yes, everything is fine. Thank you.”
Relieved yet still curious, she dialed the second number.
Conversation 2
Sister: “Hey there!”
Wife: “Hi, um, who is this?”
Sister: “It’s Anna, David’s sister. Who’s calling?”
Wife: (sighing in relief) “Oh, Anna, it’s Sarah. Sorry to bother you.”
Sister: “No worries! What’s up?”
Wife: “Nothing, just checking something. Thanks!”
Finally, she mustered the courage to call the third number. To her surprise, her own phone started ringing.
Realizing her mistake, she was overwhelmed with guilt for doubting her husband. In an emotional gesture, she gave him her entire month’s salary as a way to apologize.
But the twist? Her husband used the money to buy a gift for his girlfriend, whose contact name was saved as Uncle Mike the Mechanic.
If this joke brought a smile to your face, don’t forget to share it with your loved ones—it might just brighten their day too!
What Are Witches’ Stairs? A Simple Explanation of This Strange Home Design
Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!
Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.
While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”
How Witches’ Stairs Function
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.
Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Real Origins
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.
Misconception
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.
Debunking the Myth
Photo Credit: conspiracy___time | TikTok
The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.
While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.
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