Sure Thing is a short comic play by David Ives featuring a chance meeting of two characters, Betty and Bill, whose conversation is continually reset by the use of a ringing bell, starting over when one of them responds negatively to the other.
The bell acts as a buffer against all topics of conversation that are potentially negative to building their relationship, allowing them to try another line.
By the end of the play, their initial differences in opinion (i.e. literature, movie tastes, romance) have reversed to become perfect companions.
[2] Ives takes away any words or beliefs that could be offensive, whether they be sexist remarks or political affiliations.
"[3] Sure Thing was first presented at Manhattan Punch Line's Festival of One-Act Comedies, New York City, in February 1988.