Class clown worries about jokes’ effect on reputation

Dear Annie: I just started high school, and it’s been going great. A lot of people who know me know that I’m a silly person. I try to be funny when I can, and I love making people laugh. Sometimes I joke with my friends in class, but I wonder whether that makes me look immature. Should I stop joking around at school so I don’t look incompetent? Dear Class Clown: A sense of humor is a sign of intelligence. But there is a time and a place. Always offer more serious contributions to class discussions than jokes. Constant wisecracking disrespects your teachers. Also, it can pigeonhole you as the class clown.

As it’s your freshman year, it’s a perfect time to join new clubs and try new activities. Consider theater or creative writing — outlets with which you can let your sense of humor shine through.

Dear Annie: Recently, a woman wrote to you about her dramatic loss of weight and the subsequent replacement of clothes. I went through the same thing. Though a good tailor can take things in, even the best has a hard time with a dramatic shift in size. Being in sales, I had to maintain a “good look,” but as the woman said, replacing a good wardrobe is costly.

I lucked out when I took a bunch of my bigger-sized clothes to my local Goodwill and took a look around. Between Goodwill and The Salvation Army, I was able to replace my wardrobe with clothes that were as good as or better than what I had for a fraction of the cost. I know that a lot of people look down at these providers, but many provide incredible bargains.

Some are well-managed and some aren’t, so if you come upon one that is less than stellar, please don’t hold it against the group.

And the feel-good part of this is that I am helping the people who work for these great organizations. Dear Saving Money and Looking Good: I heard from several readers who said even the best tailors have a tough time bringing clothes in drastically. Donating clothing and finding new pieces at Goodwill and The Salvation Army is a great solution.