Are you really, though?

Five Things to Remember When You’re Joking

1. Jokes aren’t always funny. Others get hurt from careless jokes and thoughtless teases more than you know. In the past, I would easily laugh off jokes from my peers so they did not think I was offended. I’m over that. Check your jokes. Do they build up or tear down? It might be funny, but if it’s hurtful — It should NOT be said. Period.
2. Jokes have a thread of truth. Always. Normally, jokes are founded in reality. You can’t just make some of this stuff up. Jokes are normally centered around rumors, areas of insecurities, or faults about someone’s physical appearance, work ethic, social graces, etc. Don’t prey off people. Don’t say things to get others to laugh if it means demeaning someone else. This includes Snapchat. Admission of guilt: I got rid of Snapchat a couple years ago. This was one of the reasons. I was a great snapper back in my day. However, 90% of the time, the snaps I sent were not edifying or kind to others. I would send snaps of people I thought were “less” than me – behind their backs – to my “groupies.” God let me know this wasn’t ok.
3. Don’t joke to make a point. If you need to confront someone, just do it. Don’t make comments and jokes in front of that person and everyone else. Stop being passive aggressive. Grow up. Deal with the issue. Give someone the decency to talk with them and figure out the problem.
4. If they don’t think it’s funny, it’s probably not. Seems like common sense, I know. Be aware, friends. If you say something, even if you didn’t mean harm, and it doesn’t go over well — Do not do it again. Apologize if needed. Understand the people you joke with have feelings, too.
5. Some people can’t take jokes. I know. I can’t really fathom this, either. I love joking and teasing. My family thrives on it. My husband and I love to joke with each other — we pretty much do constantly. However, some people have a different background, a different emotional make-up, a different outlook on life. Jokes are not their “thing.” That’s ok. They aren’t weird; they are just a human being. Respect them enough to know the boundaries, alright?

I posted this because this has been an area in my life that I have had to grow and improve. I am working on being aware of others and their feelings. I love to joke, but it’s not worth the cost of losing friends or my reputation. Have fun – be funny… but don’t let the goal of being funny make you forget social cues and emotional boundaries.

Check your jokes. Think before you tease.

{Excuse the llama, but it looks like he has just cracked a good joke. 😉 }

Photo by Vlad Bagacian on Unsplash