Summary

The article discusses the natural, uncontrollable, and often spontaneous nature of laughter, its role in brightening moods, and the societal expectations that sometimes stifle it.

Abstract

The essay "Finding a Reason to Smile Will Only Jinx the Fun" delves into the tempting allure of humor and the instinctive response of laughter, which is not always about fitting in but rather about enjoying the moment. The author reflects on the personal experience of having an awkward laugh that, despite its peculiarity, can still uplift others. The piece also touches on the societal norms that dictate when it is appropriate to laugh, particularly in the context of others' misfortunes, and how laughter can sometimes be misconstrued as insensitivity. The author emphasizes that laughter is often a reaction to mistakes rather than successes, as seen in standup comedy and humor-based TV shows. The article suggests that while a social circle can influence when and where one laughs, it is ultimately a personal choice that should not be forced. The author concludes by encouraging readers to embrace laughter as a positive force without overthinking the reasons behind it.

Opinions

Laughter is a natural response that should not be overanalyzed, as thinking before laughing can diminish its authenticity.
An individual's unique laugh, even if it's awkward, can have a positive impact on those around them.
Society's teachings on laughter, particularly not laughing at others' mistakes, can conflict with the natural human tendency to find amusement in such situations.
Laughter at someone's success is seen as an insult to their hard work, whereas laughter at mistakes is more common and socially acceptable.
Forcing laughter for the sake of fitting in or because of social pressure can feel fake and is not recommended.
Laughter can serve as a coping mechanism during hard times, providing mental relaxation and potentially leading to creative solutions.
Not everyone values humor, and some prefer a more serious approach to life; this preference should be respected.
The appropriateness of laughter can depend on the social context, and while most people appreciate humor, it's not necessary to change the mindset of those who don't.
The author advocates for laughter as a form of medicine, suggesting that it should be embraced freely without the need for justification.

Finding a Reason to Smile Will Only Jinx the Fun

The healthy temptation of humour

Thinking before laughing will ruin the essence. It is another case not to understand a joke quickly. Remember when you laugh at your friend’s joke after everyone else is over with theirs? You come out crazy, but you did it anyway, right? Because that is the temptation of humour. You don’t do it because you want to fit in a group, you laugh because you like it.

And if your laugh is weird, embrace it because you are a natural laughing machine that can light anyone’s mood. My laughing is surprisingly awkward. I even scare some people with it! It’s natural, can’t help it.

On the bright side, I can cheer people up too. Whenever I go to bed at night, it is always peaceful to reflect how many lives I lit up over the day.

I haven’t met many people who can laugh whenever they want. Some need a comfortable social circle, some crave a strong sense of humour, and some don’t even want to look at the funny side of every story.

Society shows a different meaning of laughter.

As we grow up, we were taught not to laugh at other people’s mistake. Your uncle slipped on a banana, and you’re laughing. You mother says, “If your uncle tripped, you should help him instead of laughing.”

Eventually, you do help him, but you’re still laughing in your head, right? And when the subject (uncle) starts laughing too, who cares what mom said a few seconds ago. Bring on the comedy!

Many similar situations had happened in our childhood when we wanted to laugh our assess off but were silenced by our parents just because we are laughing at someone’s misery.

No, we’re not, we are just laughing because we are glad it didn’t happen to us.

You won’t find a reason every time.

Let me ask you a question: when do we laugh at someone’s success? If you did it, you straight up insulted a person’s hard work, which is not a good intention.

We usually laugh at someone’s mistakes only. See standup comedies, humour TV shows. You will see how people represent their miseries in a way that sounds fun for us all.

I also do it often. A recent incident was yesterday. I was talking to a friend when she said, “You laugh for no reason, it’s crazy. Is it this easy for you?”

I just need a nudge to know that something fun is going on. Because the wide grin sends a signal to your brain that everything will be fine. Especially when you laugh continuously even in hard times, your mind will be relaxed and will come up with some creative solutions.

Social circle matters, but not too much

I don’t make jokes all the time. But when I am around people, I learn from their behaviours and see if they appreciate laughter.

Not everyone appreciates comedy though. Some people want to face life the hard way, the practical approach. And it can be tough, but what if someone likes that version of the living?

You can’t force anyone to laugh or understand your joke. But if you are putting pressure or finding a reason to trigger your laughter, it’ll be so fake you’ll regret doing it.

I can laugh whenever and wherever I want. I once laughed at a funeral because everyone was sad, and I thought of a past joke I made up. What a wrong time to get some attention! Well, laughing at a funeral is purely coincidental.

It’s not like I am laughing at somebody’s death. I was thinking about a past joke, and it just came up. I didn’t need to explain anyone. Anyhow, I survived without preparing for my instant funeral! Did I run? Obviously!

Since then, the only reason I rarely glean for laughter is the social circle. Mostly everyone appreciates it. But if not, then such people are in the minority, and I can’t change their mindset anyway. So why even try?

If you have a circle where you can laugh like it’s a party all the time, try doing it more often. Finding a valid reason will take away the fun.

Laughter is the best medicine, and you know it!

This blog belongs to a series of posts I am publishing in this 100-days streak. Today is day 64. Navigate to the end of article 22, for the references from day 23 onwards. If you would like to read the ones before day 22, here is the first one that documents them in the end.

~ Sanjeev