What do I Know? I’m just a Clown : July / Aug. 2026

What Do I know? I’m just a Clown
July / August 2026
Advice from Martin “The Clown” Barry

Dear Clown,
I am managing a small conflict among some friends. I value both and I don’t want this conflict to affect our usual time together. We used to work together and we became good friends during that time. Friend one is currently working two jobs and learning to be an electrician. Friend two works for a well-known corporation and owns a condo in the city. The last time we hung out at my place, friend two drank a bit and seemed to poke a little fun at friend one regarding his current employment. It was not the first time this happened. I spoke up to remind them of where we all started. If this becomes an issue between them, I feel like I may have to stop our usual hangouts and separate them. What would you do?
Sincerely, Balance

Dear Balance,
I have a good understanding of the type of friend you are, and I am certain that neither of your friends would want to lose that. It seems that friend two may be influenced by colleagues and other friends outside of your circle if this has happened more than once. You spoke up this time, and that was proper. If this happens again, you may need to ask where that is coming from and express the importance of these friendships. You three bonded for a reason and that reason is still there. If it becomes persistent, separation or dismissal may be required.
No snobbery, Clown

Dear Clown,
My fiancé’s behavior has altered over the past three months and it has become cause for worry. He is working to advance his career, and this has required some extra time at work and some work evenings at home. The part that is worrying me is that he does not seem to have the same energy during our time together. We live together and we have always had a good space with each other being supportive and loving. Now there are “flat” days with him where he seems to close down and becomes easily annoyed. I have not seen this behavior in him before and we have known each other for four years. I am not sure what to say or do in this situation.
Sincerely, Nervy

Dera Nervy,
Reading your observations, it seems that the cause here is stemming from his workload. Career advances can be like that. You are going to have to address this directly sharing your observations while listening to his. Additionally, I would suggest a sacred date night at least once per week where you take the time to just be present for each other. This doesn’t have to be the same night each week, and you don’t even have to leave home for it. Just take the time to remind each other of what is truly valuable.
Keep special things special, Clown

Dear Clown,
I recently purchased a business from some friends of my family, and it has been quick to establish cash flow. This could become big enough for me to resign from my current job and have this business support my family. The only trouble I have is that I have not informed my wife or my parents about this business purchase. I wanted the risk to be mine alone. My only remaining risk will be not consulting my wife before doing this. Help?
Sincerely, Coin-Op

Dear Coin-Op,
Congratulations on acquiring a business and realizing cash flow rapidly! I am guessing that you have not had to explain the expenditure, have not had any related records lying about for your family to find, and may not have a singular location to manage. Take a deep breath and come clean to all parties concerned. Just be honest about your thinking and method in acquiring the business. Hopefully, this will become added support structure.
Change is good, Clown

Dear Clown,
Why are there SO many storage units everywhere? What are people storing?
Sincerely, Unyun

Dear Unyun,
Bodies, obviously. We also apparently have a need for storage auction shows on television, so they serve that need.
Lock it up, Clown

Dear Clown,
I am looking for a good example of the logical fallacy post hoc ergo propter hoc (after this, therefore because of this). Can you provide one?
Sincerely, Allium Cepa

Dear Allium Cepa,
Pick a day that you drove your car last week. Look up the mortality rate in your state for the same day. Boasting that your driving caused that number of deaths would be a proper example.
Live long and prosper, Clown

Do you have a question for The Clown? Write him at [email protected] .

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