A guy had spent the entire year promising himself he would drink less, eat better, and finally start going to the gym. On New Year’s Eve, feeling proud that he had survived another year of broken resolutions, he decided to celebrate by going to his favorite local bar. The place was packed with people laughing, counting down the hours, and making big plans they would probably forget by January 2nd.
He squeezed his way up to the counter, ordered a drink, and soaked in the festive mood as the clock crept closer to midnight. Just before the countdown began, he stood up on his stool, raised his glass high, and announced in a loud, confident voice, “Let’s all begin this year standing beside the person who has made this past year worth living.”
The poor bartender was nearly crushed to death.
Explanation: The joke sets up an emotional, inspiring New Year’s moment, making listeners expect a romantic or sentimental payoff. The punchline flips expectations when everyone crowds around the bartender instead.
