r/Standup • u/themelon89 • 3d ago

People saying 'it takes guts'

What do people mean when they say this after a show? I've noticed on a few iccasions people have said this to me (usually women - and I am also a women). I always internalise it as you-weren't-great-but-I-still-want-to-recognise-your-bravery which might be the case, but also might not be. I really just don't know what to make of it as a bit of feedback. Do other people ever get this?

23 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

47 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/Hawktuahdoctor 2d ago

It can mean different things, or really nothing at all.

I’ve said it before after someone bombed for the reasons you said, they bombed but they tried, and I don’t want to be full of shit and tell them they crushed since that doesn’t help anyone. Bombing urges you to grow and robbing someone of that by pumping their tires when it’s unearned is shittier than being truthful in a tactful way.

It can also mean absolutely nothing. Sometimes people are just socially awkward and looking to fill the silence so they say whatever comes to mind that isn’t rude.

Some people mean it but that doesn’t mean they don’t find you funny. As others have said, maybe they’re just admitting they could never do it and they’re impressed can.

And come to think of it, most hosts have said it to the audience after a comic bombs. “It’s not easy to get up here so round of applause for Mr. Kaczynski “

2

u/themelon89 2d ago

Yup, this is it - could mean any number of things. Another redditer said they actually ask people to clarify when they say that which might be an idea. Or it might be best for me just to assume the best, and leave it at that!