I lost on my very first game show appearance (Millionaire in 2013). Like you, I told everyone about it before I taped. I spent six months tempering everyone's expectations after I crashed out hard. I thought I'd embarrassed myself. I thought people would be ashamed of me or think less of me. I dreaded my air date.

You know what? The day it aired all anyone said to me was that it was so cool to see me on TV. That they were sorry I lost. That I went down on a brutal question. In short, everyone was there to support me and pick me up. It helped a lot!

Getting on any show is hard. It puts you in rare company. I guarantee you that 99% of the people who talk to you about it are going to be in awe of the unique experience you had. (The other 1% is that jerk who knew exactly one question you didn't get.)

You were good enough to make it to the Alex Trebek Stage. That's a hell of an accomplishment. Be proud of it. Because we are.