The lost gravy ladle

John invited his mother over for dinner one evening. During the meal, she couldn’t help but notice how attractive his roommate Julie was. She had been suspicious of a relationship between her son and his roommate for quite some time, but this only made her more curious.

She watched the two of them interact over the course of the evening and began to wonder whether there was more between John and Julie than met the eye.

Realizing only too well what his mother was thinking, John said, "I can see your wheels turning Mom and I know what you’re thinking. Rest assured Julie and I are strictly roommates."

A few days later, Julie went to John and said, "You know the beautiful silver gravy ladle? Well, ever since your mother came to dinner I can’t seem to find it. You don’t think she could have taken it, do you?"

"That seems pretty unlikely, but I’ll write her a letter just to be sure," replied John.

John then sat down and wrote his mother the following letter:

"Dear Mom,

While I’m not saying you 'did' take a gravy ladle from my house, and I’m not saying you 'didn’t' take a gravy ladle, the fact remains that ever since you were here for dinner one has been missing.

Love, Your son."

Several days later, John received a reply from his mother which read:

"Dear John, 
While I am not saying you 'do' sleep with Julie, and I’m not saying you 'don’t' sleep with her, the fact remains that she would have found the gravy ladle by now if she were sleeping in her own bed.

Love, Mom."