I don’t understand the Sitcom Advice column. Every time someone asks a question, you each give a different response. The advice often contradicts itself, with varying answers, and some of it is just bad. As a reader, how am I supposed to apply this advice?
—Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Jay: This is quite a question WhoseLine. It really made me think about what we’re doing here. You’re right that people taking our advice is ridiculous. However, I feel that way about most advice columns. Readers submit 50-100 words on an issue, and then a benevolent writer has all of the answers. I’m pretty sure all advice columns are primarily written for entertainment value. People reading the advice column can laugh at the question and laugh at the answer. Although, out of this group, I probably still give the best advice.
Eliza: I feel like in most situations, the answers are obvious. Answering the question rewards the submitter. It’s hard to ask for advice, and the answer is the reward for being vulnerable. You should focus less on what’s being said and more on what’s being heard. Each person who submits a question is struggling, and when we answer their question, we’re validating those feelings. Also, you should see the pathetic questions we reject. There are some real losers out there who aren’t worth validating. For the rest of you, my advice comes down to, “I’m here, and I’m listening.”
Gene: It’s me! Hi. I’m the answer. It’s Gene. It’s my advice you should be listening to—no one else’s. If everyone would just listen to my advice, the world would be a better place. I’m here fighting for justice, for integrity, for the little guy. You may see these high-minded answers from my friends, but I’m the only one willing to get down in the mud and really fight it out. We all know that in six months, this will be Gene’s advice column.
Kenny: Advice is a gift. Like all gifts, once it is received, you get to decide what to do with it. We don’t live your life; we can only give you our perspective. What would we do in your shoes? Or perhaps in your slippers? Don’t take anything at face value. Read the advice and decide if it works for you or not. The nice thing about four pieces of advice that contradict each other is that you can’t choose all of them. If you have a really strong negative reaction to something, you might want to examine that a little more thoroughly. Do you feel this way because the advice is so outrageous, or do you have strong feelings because it’s actually the right path for you? Even Gene’s advice has, at times, produced positive results.
The gang gives lots of advice. Check out previous editions here. Learn more about the Sitcom Advice Crew.