Dear Ann Landers, For 10 years, I was a stand-up comic and moderately successful. After a show, I liked to chat, but some people didn't understand the show was over, or they had a joke to tell me. If I never again hear, "Three guys are in a bar," I will die happy. I often ran for the exit the second my act was over. I hated doing that, because many people just wanted to say they enjoyed the show.
I know people are just trying to be friendly, but comics don't have the luxury of saying, "I've finished my gig," or they would appear rude and arrogant. Life on the road is very lonely, but after accepting after-show dinner invitations a few times, I realized people didn't want to have dinner with me; they just wanted more entertainment.
So, folks, we love to talk with you after the show because you are often the catalysts for spectacular stories, but please leave the jokes at home. -- Stop Me If You've Heard This One in Rochester, N.Y.
Dear N.Y., Every comic who reads this is going to bless you for what you have written. You sang their song.
Hi! It's Margo here. I'd love to know what you think of the letters -- and the answers!
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Our Reader to Reader Question of the Week:
Dear Readers, , I have watched her children from a previous marriage grow to adulthood. I have been present at the births of 10 grandchildren. Here’s my problem. I love my wife’s children dearly, and I tell them so frequently. However, I have yet to witness any show of affection from any of them. Instead, I get subde reminders that I am not, after all, their real father. It has reached the point where I wish no further contact. My heart has been broken too many times. My wife says I am being silly. What do you think? -Stepped-on Dad in Calif.
