The Japanese and their fish

There is an interesting tale about the Japanese and the fish they eat. The Japanese being fond of fresh fish were not happy with the fish which was available to them . The fish were at least a day old , preserved in salt or ice and hence tasted 'stale'. To keep the fish 'fresh' , they came up with the idea of transporting the fish in tankers.

But to their surprise, they found that even the live fish ferried in water tankers did not taste 'fresh'. When they observed keenly, they found that the fishes in the tanker did not move around and this lack of activity made the fishes dull and 'stale'.

To overcome this, they introduced a small shark in the tanker. It is true that the shark ate a few fish, but kept the fishes always on a run and hence 'fresh'.

We used to joke that marrying is like putting a shark in your life. The spouse would snap up to you and make you run , thereby keeping you 'fresh'.
Behind the joke, the subtle thought emphasized by this allegory is that of "give and take". The spousal relation should be seen as that between the Japanese and the shark. Only when you are giving, you can expect in return. The first fish you lose to the shark is the responsibility shouldered.