One day when I was on the fence fighting off the depression alligators (a not-terrible day when I can put up a good fight), I decided to go to a comedy open mic I'd never been to before. I was hopeful about steering the rest of the day in a different direction. The cost was $5 and a drink.
I showed the host my $20-bill and asked if I should buy my drink first. He said yes. After breaking the twenty, I handed him a $10-bill.
"Is that better?" I asked.
"It's smaller," he said.
"Well, sometimes smaller is better," I blurted, unable to resist. We both laughed.
"I never heard that from a woman before."
"That's because you don't hear us."
The open mic show was as much like an actual show as I've ever seen (though I've seen actual shows that were like an open mic). No notes were allowed during one's set. Both hosts practiced saying my last name before the mic began. It was the second time I've ever seen a comedy open mic be attended equally by women and men. From beginning to end, it was actually the first time. That may or may not have been normal for this mic.
My set was very well received which felt really wonderful and made me feel so glad I decided to do this. Feeling welcomed like I was helps me do my best. I've done okay in less friendly environments, but it's just less joyous an experience for me.
In one night, two women may have changed his world. Yes, worlds change when women are heard.
