Surviving the Family Joke Repeater: A Guide to Dealing with Comedy Groundhog Day
Dear Uncle Bobby –
: I have a family member who tells the same jokes at every gathering — word for word. Every Thanksgiving, every birthday, it’s the same routine, and they laugh like it’s the first time they’ve ever told it. How do I survive another round of the same punchlines?
Stuck in a Joke Loop
Ah, yes, the Family Joke Repeater — a staple of every gathering! Nothing says “holiday tradition” like Uncle Reggie trotting out the same three jokes he’s been telling since the ‘80s. At this point, you could probably perform his act yourself, right down to the corny punchlines and that self-satisfied laugh that lasts longer than the joke itself.
Now, you could try reminding him that everyone’s heard these gems a hundred times, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, I say embrace the routine with gusto. As soon as he starts, jump in and finish the punchline before he does. Better yet, finish the joke even louder and add a dramatic spin to the delivery. Nothing like a little friendly competition to keep things lively.
Or, go all in and create “Bingo Cards” for family gatherings. Put Uncle Reggie’s jokes on there, along with all the other family classics: Aunt Linda’s stories about her cats, Grandpa’s World War II trivia, and Cousin Charlie’s “one that got away” fishing tales. Every time Reggie hits you with a “You know why the chicken crossed the road?” you mark your square. Get a full row, and boom! You win a prize — preferably earplugs or a strong drink.
And if you really want to add some flair, you could start rating the jokes on a scale of one to ten after he tells each one. Maybe even carry a little sign you can hold up, like at the Olympics. Give him extra points for originality — minus five if it’s the “why did the tomato blush” joke for the hundredth time.
Or, if you’re feeling charitable, try asking him for “new material.” Who knows, maybe you’ll inspire him to branch out… or at least to update the punchlines. But let’s be real: some family members are just part of the background soundtrack, like that creaky chair or the cousin who eats all the deviled eggs. They bring a little consistency to the chaos, even if it means hearing “Did you hear the one about…” one more time.
So, Stuck, grab your “Family Joke Bingo” card, pour yourself an extra-large helping of patience, and remember: every repeated punchline is just another reminder of what makes family gatherings so special.
– Uncle Bobby