Open thread, Dec. 1 - Dec. 7, 2014

MrMind

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If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

Notes for future OT posters:

1. Please add the 'open_thread' tag.

2. Check if there is an active Open Thread before posting a new one. (Immediately before; refresh the list-of-threads page before posting.)

3. Open Threads should be posted in Discussion, and not Main.

4. Open Threads should start on Monday, and end on Sunday.

I didn't get direct answers to your query, but I got some suggestions for dealing with the problem.

One person told me to defuse an awkward situation if a story isn't well-received with a joke:

I find it helps to jokingly acknowledge when a story fell flat. "...and then I found $5"
Also when I make a joke that doesn't get a laugh, I'll look at the time on my phone and say "9:35. I'm calling it." or whatever. That gets a laugh usually and helps defuse the situation.

Another friend suggested it's all about practice, and bearing through it... (read more)