Sorry in advance for making things weird.: A Disappointing Affirmations Collection

by Dave Tarnowski

National bestselling author Dave Tarnowski, the visionary behind the 2.4-million+ follower @DisappointingAffirmations Instagram account, is back with a fresh and funny brace of realistic affirmations that recognize that failure is always an option across the many splendors of our lives.

It’s often disappointing!



Whether it’s everyday experiences with family, friends, work, love, or the general hell of other people, there’s ample opportunity for disillusionment. Hilarious disillusionment. Disappointment guru Dave Tarnowski's second collection features new and exclusive affirmations and dozens of transformed and unpublished fan favorites from his wildly popular Instagram account.



This abundance of wisdom is helpfully organized into eight everyday subjects on which we can all use a little subversive sympathetic enlightenment (including Daily Motivation, Work, Success, and Other People). Dave excavates each subject further in a funny, clear-eyed short essay. All photos are his own. All feelings widely shared.



Like a non-disappointing gift with purchase, the book's jacket folds out into a new motivational poster, suitable for display anywhere disappointment may strike.

IT REALLY IS OKAY TO NOT BE People say, “It’s okay to not be okay,” but then it feels like they need you to be okay. This subversively funny book is the perfect way to remind ourselves, or anyone who needs it, that it's better to deal with our feelings honestly than fall into the “positive vibes only” self-help trap.



MORE FEELINGS THAN EVER Tarnowski's pithy photo-illuminated consolations and manifestos are as sharp and relatable as ever. Now paired with observational essays that plumb depths and cast light, it's a whole new ride.



TOXIC POSITIVITY CAN GO TO Enough, already.



WAIT, THERE’S MORE! See also the original, national bestselling Disappointing Affirmations book and accompanying stationery and gift items, including Disappointing Affirmations Wall Calendar, Disappointing Affirmations Deck, Disappointing Affirmations Pencils, Disappointing 30 Postcards, Disappointing Affirmations Sticker Book, and Disappointing The Game. You won’t be disappointed.

Perfect


College grads, people entering the workforce, people who wish they hadn’t entered the workforce


Fans of the @disappointingaffirmations Instagram account


Anyone who isn't always cheerful and doesn't feel seen


Fans of satire and sarcastic humor 


Anyone feeling burnout, empathy fatigue, positivity fatigue, or fatigue in general

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gratifying satirical read for those who just can't bear to be gracious and hospitable all the time!

[destiny ♡ howling libraries]

I'm not giving this a star rating because I can't decide if I recommend it or not. On one hand, it's pretty funny at times, and I appreciated the longer tidbits at the start of each section that discussed the author's personal experiences. On the other hand, I'm generally a pretty positive person who needs to look for silver linings in life to, you know, survive, and this book definitely felt like something that could drag a lot of people into a worse mental state, which I don't love, considering the people likely to pick up this book in the first place are going to be people like myself who live with mental illnesses to begin with. Idk, I sound old lol

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.

[Heather Whittemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just what my undiagnosed ADHD ashen soul needed today.
These comedic affirmations fit any situation and make light of dark days.
This would make a perfect gift for the grumpy, doom and gloom family member, friend, coworker in your life.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a fun little read while hanging out in the bookstore.

Just the kind of negative energy I love. Apparently, there is a sticker version!

[Kelsy Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a free copy from the Goodreads giveaway. I am beyond thrilled with this book! The dust cover is actually the most perfect poster. This book has brought me so much joy from the disappointing affirmations. I shove it into everyone's face to see. Thank you for the best giveaway gift I have ever received!

[Zara Hood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sorry in Advance for Making Things Weird is exactly the kind of palate cleanser I didn’t know I needed. In a world overflowing with fluffy, AI-generated inspirational posts and relentless toxic positivity (especially on LinkedIn), this book offers a much-needed dose of honesty and realism. Its “disappointing affirmations” end up being surprisingly uplifting—a sharp, funny, and refreshing commentary on human nature. Instead of trying to fix you, it meets you where you are, and that feels better than any self-help cliché. Short read, thoroughly enjoyed. Will display this on my desk at work for others to enjoy.

Thank you for the gifted copy! My first Goodreads giveaway that I’ve won!

[Elaine Bahr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This second book by Dave Tarnowski made me feel seen. I was expecting a sequel and instead got a reality check and an anxiety attack. It is nice to know I'm not alone on the struggle bus. This is definitively not for the eternal optimists and those into toxic positivity.

[Marina Marcello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry in advance for making things weird.: A Disappointing Affirmations Collection was a book I claimed from Booktrovert because a friend had shown me Dave Tarnowski’s previous work, Disappointing Affirmations, and I loved that, so I knew this would be a trip—and wow, was it?!

It’s hard to talk about this book as there is no plot, it’s exactly what it says it is: disappointing affirmations that are honest and brutal, often hilarious, and sometimes soberingly sad.

I 1000% would buy this book for all of my friends and family and highly recommend it to everyone!

[Vasiliki Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best gift! Re-read with a glass of wine

[Jessica Brainard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Sorry in Advance for Making Things Weird: A Disappointing Affirmations Collection by Dave Tarnowski
Dave Tarnowski’s Sorry in Advance for Making Things Weird promises a quirky, offbeat take on affirmations, but unfortunately, it falls short of delivering meaningful or uplifting content. While the concept of blending humor with self-help is intriguing, the execution feels uneven and, at times, forced.
The affirmations often lean too heavily on irony, which undermines their potential to inspire or comfort. Instead of offering genuine encouragement, many entries come across as sarcastic quips that lack depth. Readers looking for practical positivity or even clever wit may find themselves disappointed by the repetitive tone and lack of variety.
Additionally, the book struggles to strike a balance between humor and sincerity. What could have been a refreshing, relatable approach ends up feeling like a collection of jokes without much substance. For those seeking authentic motivation or thoughtful insights, this book may not hit the mark.
Bottom line: If you’re hoping for affirmations that genuinely uplift or provide meaningful perspective, this collection might leave you wanting more. It’s a clever idea that doesn’t quite live up to its potential.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dave Tarnowski is the Jack Handey of 2025. For those not as old as I am, Jack Handey is an American comedian and writer who became famous for his surreal affirmations, "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey" on Saturday Night Live from 1991-1998. Tarnowski's "affirmations," presented one to a page with gauzy backgrounds much like Handey's are much sharper and reflective of a social media society that feels freer to dig deeper. For example:

"I am choosing kindness over anger. Towards myself I mean. f*** everyone else."
"Just when you think you've met the biggest idiot in the world, an even bigger one will come along and blow your f***ing mind."
"You got this. Whether you want to or not. You don't have much of a choice."

I am sure these work for the Tik-Tok generation but I'm a boomer, so give me Jack Handey any time.

[Darlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This took less than an hour to read and that was still too high a price to pay. This is a whole book of snide, sarcastic, self-pity dressed up to look like tacky inspirational posters.

One example, shown in large print over a pretty blue-painted door in an old stone building, is "Prioritize your mental health. Avoid people whenever possible."

I finished only because it is short and I have a small compulsion to complete things even when they are not enjoyable. I cannot recommend this book to anyone but I will try especially hard to dissuade anyone who suffers from depression from cracking open this tome. It could send them over the edge.

[C.R. Eede · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in under 20 minutes. After reading the first Disappointing Affirmations book and loving it, I knew I wanted to read the second, and it did not fail me. The excerpts are short and snappy, but also to the point and quite relatable. There are at least ten that you could relate to.

It's a good book, and it's a nice change, teaching you that life isn't all sunshine and flowers. We're bound to fail at some point... or for me, multiple times simultaneously.

Give it a read. It's a good one.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of Tarniwsski's aphorisms and original photography touched my heart, as they reflect universal hopes and desires that never come to fruition. The sadness, frustration, anger, extreme sorrow are overshadowed by excessive cursing, foul language, and the recommendation to lose oneself in alcohol or reclusiveness. The chapters begin with biographical insights. It's concerning that the negativeness and utter loss of any redeeming part of life may encourage suicide. I could not recommend this book to anyone I loved.

[Aved · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is NOT a mental health book. It's a funny collection of meme affirmations, I would say. Gave me a good chuckle. I don't think you should take any of it seriously. The accompanying pictures are beautiful, and it comes with a poster.

Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.

[Talor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this in a recent giveaway. thank you for the copy. this was an interesting read and with my dark sense of humor, I enjoyed it and found myself laughing. I took the cover off to check out the poster inside and was not able to get it back on, that was rather disappointing and fitting. I wonder if it was done like that on purpose lol

[Madison Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not as good as his previous book, this one is more of a go-to based on what you're feeling. Sadness? turn to page xx.

These books are a refreshing self reflection of, [Yes you are going to screw up, and this isn't even your worst screw up yet! so enjoy the minor one now!]

Recommend these for everyone

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. First of all, I have a sarcastic sense of humor, which you need to appreciate the pages in the middle. Secondly, the essays are spot on. They say exactly what I feel but didn't know how to put into words. This isn't a self help book, this is a collection of "Disappointing Affirmations" and it's hilarious.

[Bubba · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who suffers from debilitating depression, this is hilarious and quite the mood lifter. It's all true and that's what makes it funny. Life sucks and then you die. So are you going to laugh at it or just be fake positive all the time?

[Mila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great gift for a friend or coworker. It’s a quick read and a couple of the affirmations made me laugh. Some felt repetitive but overall I thought this was a funny idea for a book and enjoyed the sarcasm. Received as a Goodreads giveaway- thank you!!

[Tse Ka Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

now I feel better

Yeah. The book covers everything single thought I have ever come across. To the point and bloody. But it feels awkwardly refreshing because now I know I am not the only one who feel like that.

[Allyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this and will likely gift to a friend with a similar sense of humor. Definitely not a book for everyone, and that’s okay.

Thank you to the Publisher, Chronicle Books, for sponsoring the giveaway in which I won this book!

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just *chefs kiss*. Did I know I needed disappointing affirmations in my life? No I did not. Do I NOW need them? Yes, yes I do! I also sent several pictures to coworkers and friends. 10/10 loved this book and will be reading again when I need it.

*won from @goodreads giveaways

[Patricia Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dave's books.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious and true!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny & relatable

[B-Worm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorously cynical😅

[Effy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first one.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and funny! Love the pics that accompany the commentaries.

[Marie Borglin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jävligt kul! XD