Taking things too seriously...

This is a tale from long ago, when I still lived with all three girls and the Ghost.


The Ghost and I were chatting with some friends over IRC (think MSN, you young non-geeks). Such was the way, back then - it was easier (and more common) to have a conversation online than it was to shout up and down the stairs to each other. During the conversation, the topic of our evening social came up, and the Ghost asked if he could have a lift - since we'd both be going from the same place, and all...

"Well duh!" I thought. Of course he can have a lift - it would be stupid not to take him along. "No... you'll have to walk" I sarcastically typed.

Sarcasm doesn't work as text, does it?

"Why not?" he replied petulantly. "I don't want to" says I, still under the ever-so-mistaken impression that he knew I was joking. "But that's silly"... "So?"...
At this point, others chip in... "I'll give him a lift" pipes up the Sailor.

Of course, at this point, I'm suddenly stuck into the game. Why should I admit I was joking, when it should have been clear to all? Surely they'll realise before the Sailor has to go miles out of his way to pick up the Ghost?

Two hours later, the Ghost disappears from the chat room. He's just left, in the Sailor's car. I sheepishly arrive at the social, 30 minutes later, knowing that no-one will believe I was just joking originally.


As will all things like this, it blew over in no time - before the end of the social, in fact. But it's well to remember that it's worth explaining the joke earlier, rather than later - no matter how silly you feel.