Middle Ground: Share a Joke
Try this:
- 1. Find a joke.
What did the duck say when it bought some lipstick?
Put it on my bill.
- 2. Ask someone nearby if they want to hear a joke.
- 3. Deliver the joke.
Joking for a better world: how humor can lighten the day
Humor is a useful tool for interacting with people. Laughing together can ease tensions and forge connections. But…use humor responsibly!
Make a connection: Trying your joke on a stranger? Catch the person’s eye, smile, and say hello.
Stay positive: Want everyone to laugh? Use humor that doesn’t make anyone cry, flinch, or fume.
Read the vibe: Some times are not right for a joke. Be aware of people’s moods.
Change it up: If your humor’s bombing, try a different approach.
It’s good medicine: You can use humor to relax people, cope with stresses, and address difficult topics.
It shouldn’t be a power tool: Don’t put other people down in order to build yourself up.
Further Reading
Roni Jacobson (2017). “Test Yourself: Psychologists Created a Quiz to Define Your Sense of Humor.” New York Magazine. (article)
Theresa E. DiDonato (2014). "Is Humor OK to Use When You're Fighting?" Psychology Today (blog)
