Woman Explains Why She Takes A Bite Out Of Husband's Sandwiches

On the face of it, it's somewhat surprising that Tracy Howell and her husband have been together for 41 years - given that she's regularly been taking bites from his sandwiches throughout their marriage.

However, Tracy hasn't been nibbling on Clifford's packed lunches out of greed - her reason is much sweeter.

Facebook/Tracy Howell

In a Facebook post that has gone viral, Tracy, from Texas, US, said: "Clifford and I have been married almost 41 years and I have made his lunch every working day since day 1.

"On occasion I would join him on the job site and have lunch with him. He made the comment once that lunch tasted better when you share it with someone you love.

"Soon after that, while fixing his sandwich one night, I took a bite out of it before putting it away.

"When he got home (long before cell phones) he commented that someone took a bite out of his sandwich. I told him that since I couldn't join him for lunch, I took a bite so he knew I was joining him.

"I continue to do this frequently (unless it's tuna or pimento cheese) and he still says, 'saw you joined me for lunch today and it sure was good'."

What's wrong with tuna and pimento cheese, Tracy?

Anyway, people clearly found the quirky little gesture very touching, as the post has been liked 24,000 times and shared 89,000 times since it was published last Wednesday (2 December).

Commenting on the post, one person said: "I can see how your love has stayed so strong all 41 years. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY"

Another added: "You certainly have a great wife there Clifford. A lucky man."

A third said: "That is so sweet! Happy Anniversary! Keep hugging each other tight!!"

Tracy has also received heartwarming messages from people all over the world and said she has been 'humbled' by the response to her post.

In a Facebook post last night, she said: "I am amazed, shocked and humbled all at the same time over my post that has gotten so much attention.

"I remember the next day it had 5 shares and I thought 'why in the world would someone want to share that post!'

"I forgot about it until someone that evening told me it it was up to 151 shares. That was when I became shocked and amazed. I actually laughed out loud at it."

She continued: "The only thought that comes to my mind when I fix his lunch and take a bite of his sandwich is how much I love him.

"About as much thought as he puts into a phone call in the middle of the day when he tells me 'he just needs to hear my voice' or a little note we leave for each other here and there from time to time.

"We probably tell each other a dozen times a day that we love each other. We never wanted the other to 'assume' we loved them. We don't go out of our way, it's just as natural to us as brushing your teeth."

Topics: Viral, Food, Community

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey