My date asked if I had any pets.

This joke plays on a clever bit of misdirection (Review), using wordplay to subvert expectations. When the date asks about pets, the natural assumption is they're inquiring about a furry, four-legged companion. The punchline, however, twists the meaning of "pet" from a beloved animal into a sarcastic, almost exasperated description of a lingering ex-partner. The humor springs from this unexpected redefinition, taking an innocent question and giving it a relatable, albeit cynical, twist.

The joke taps into a universal, if unfortunate, aspect of modern dating: the difficulty of completely moving on from past relationships, especially when an ex continues to make their presence felt. The idea of an ex "following you everywhere" is a hyperbole that resonates with anyone who's dealt with an ex who won't quite disappear, whether it's through social media, mutual friends (Review), or just a persistent emotional shadow. By comically equating this lingering presence with a "pet," the joke lightens a potentially frustrating experience with a dose of dark humor and shared understanding.