Would You Date a Comedian?

With Chicago's huge improv scene, I'm lucky to have some seriously funny pals. Dating is another story, though. As hilarious as comedians can be when they put their best selves forward, there's something I don't quite trust about a funny man who knows how to put on a good show for a lady.

Case Study #1

Frank was a comedian and star of his own one-man show. He also worked at the pizza place on my corner, so I saw him three times a week for after-work carryout. When we finally went out, I felt like I hit the date jackpot.

We had one of those easy, natural-feeling first dates. We went comic book shopping, saw a comedy show, and ended up at a rock and roll bar. I don't know who came up with this plan, but we decided to pretend we were engaged. We spent hours telling stories about how we met and our relationship. In return, strangers rewarded this stunning performance with beer and pizza.

Walking me home, Frank confessed he felt guilty about what we'd done and that he got carried away in the moment. I felt bad about all the free stuff we scored for being phonies, but I thought we had the time of our lives. He gave me the brush off, and I learned that sometimes it's tough to tell the man from the performance.

Case Study #2

Toward the end of an improv event, I made an offhand joke about being carried home. A handsome young comedian promptly swooped in and lifted me into the air. I realized then that improv folks are trained to respond to prompts, and the instinct doesn't always turn off easily.

I suggested we dance awkwardly, like Valentine's Day in junior high (but without the Aqua Net bangs or bathroom crying jag). We spent several songs one-upping each other by inventing dance moves. I busted out "sipping a milkshake." He countered with "making out in Mom's basement." I tried "sex in a hatchback," and he trumped it with "epidural, now!" His wife busted in at "baby learns object permanence."

As I humbly took my leave, I realized that the qualities I appreciate in comedians are the same things that make them tough to date. That susceptibility to suggestion and eagerness to please means that they're probably unreliable in many ways. But because they bring out my funniest and most spontaneous self, I'm willing to be convinced by the next comedian who sweeps me off my feet.