How to Stop the Jokester without Losing a Friend

We all know them.  They are our friends who love jokes, and continually, and perhaps incessantly share them with us by email. And while we appreciate the thought, we groan every time we see those emails. How do we turn them off without turning off our friend?

Here are three suggestions:

• If they are being sent to your work address, let them know about the company policy related to personal email. This solution may be the easiest, but you may encounter problems when they ask for your home email address.
• The next time you talk to them, let them know how many emails you receive daily, and that you enjoy the jokes, but are trying to control the amount of email you receive, so “please just send me your very best.” I’ve found that in most cases, they take you off the group joke distribution entirely. Also, it is best to say this in person so that you avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
• Consider setting up a free email account JUST for jokes.  Who knows, you may really need a lift one day! The next time you receive a joke, respond with a quick note requesting that the email address be changed to your.name.jokes@gmail.com

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