Yesterday, my mom contributed what I think is the best comment that this blog has ever received. In reference to whether or not I should start Twittering, she said “I’m your mom and I’m not even that interested in what you are doing.” Well said Mom. I’ve even started getting comments about how great other people’s comments are (stop being funnier than me Bryan and Aaron).

Since I did the comment post the other day, the comments have been incredible. I’ve taken notice that there are generally 5 different types of commenters on any blog. Those of you who comment, you know which one you are.

The Encourager – This commenter exists to affirm the author’s blogging efforts. He doesn’t necessarily add to the blog as much as he adds to the author’s self-esteem. So, keep it up…seriously.

The Contributor – This commenter keeps the conversation rolling. He gives his two cents, generates a few laughs, and fulfills the author’s desire for feedback.

The Humbler (aka The Nate Rector) – This commenter feels it is his personal responsibility to keep the blog’s author grounded. He won’t let anything slide, and will undoubtedly seek opportunities to make jokes at the author’s expense.

The Self-Promotor – This commenter wants everyone to know that this blog post reminds him so much of something that he’s written, and that you should go check it out “when you get a chance.” His post is rarely good.

The Out-Doer – This commenter is similar to The Contributor, but he produces material that is better and funnier than the original post. People frequently check back to the blog, not to see what the author has written, but to see if The Out-Doer has commented yet.

All that to say, the commenters (all of them) are my favorite part of this whole thing. Keep them flowing.

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Should I, or shouldn’t I? Now is your time to evangelize…

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I have a friend who is unable to courtesy laugh. He literally can’t do it. He missed the day of class where we all learned that in order to maintain friendships, you must be able to execute a well-timed and believable courtesy laugh. I didn’t believe it was possible until I saw it in action. Some dad (and I say dad because we’ve all heard a dad say this at one time or another) said to us, “Uh oh, here comes a motley crew! Ha!” My friend just stared. His silence was piercing.

Where would I be without the courtesy laugh? Not only have I used it countless times to salvage mediocre friendships, but I am certain it has been used on me more times than I could count. The courtesy laugh might be the single reason this blog is still going! Thank you everyone! This caused me to think about some other lengths I’ll travel to avoid awkwardness…

Fake Yawn – We’ve all been part of an awkward silence. The question is, how do you handle them? My favorite thing to do is fake yawn. It’s just like a real yawn, but it’s sole purpose is to pass the time until someone says something. Try to catch your friends doing it. They’re happening all around you, all the time.

Lie – I’m not proud of it, but I do it. Sometimes I’ll exaggerate the truth to avoid the perception that I’m not in the loop (which is often a correct perception). Consider a recent interaction:

Friend: What do you think of Blue Oyster Cult?
Me: [slight hesitation] I…love it!
Friend: [confused silence]
Me: I mean, I love their seafood. And their hush puppies are amazing!
Ex-Friend: It’s just too hard to be friends with you.

Fake Phone Call – This is my go to if I know an awkward conversation is awaiting me. I see my awkward friend/acquaintance coming towards me, armed and ready to suck me into his 20-minute conversation about religion and politics. I pull out the phone, put it to my ear, and begin my fake conversation with Steve (Steve is my fake friend on the other end). You have to sell it though, or you’ll be exposed for the jerk you are. Give the awkward friend a half-wave and point to the phone with a slightly disappointed look and eye-roll that tells him, “Man! Phones! They ruin everything!” But deep down you know the phone didn’t ruin your quasi-friendship at all. It actually saved it.

What are some other ways to avoid awkwardness? I need to know.

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This is a video we made with Jeff Foxworthy for a program we did last summer out in California. We were talent coaches, and Jeff was one of our clients. He was really fun to work with. Don’t quote me on this, but I think he’s going to be big one day.

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This is for all you Les Miserables fans out there. Its probably my favorite YL program moment of all time. Enjoy!

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This is for those of you who enjoy the Amazing Body Contortionist (and his sidekick Anthony Razz). Take a look at his humble beginnings at our YL club…

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