Inappropriate Laughter

There have been plenty of times in my life when I’ve become embarrassed from laughing during a seemingly inappropriate time. I think this can happen to many of us. We find something funny and attempt to hold in the laughter in the hopes that it will subside. Instead, it usually fights its way through our calming mantras and copacetic reasoning only to explode and release out of our body. For instance, it might come when you meet someone new who looks like your Aunt Martha’s dog, Sparkles; or maybe when a friend is talking to you about a difficult situation at work, but all you can focus on is the boogers poking out of their nose. I remember when I was a kid I thought it was hilarious that when you really stare at a person’s face for a while it starts to change and look oddly goofy and completely different than what you’re used to. This is especially weird when it’s a family member or close friend. Whatever the case may be, often times we feel an uncontrollable urge to laugh at an inopportune or “unsafe” time.

However, laughter cannot be predicted or contained. We all have varying senses of humor and can get a feel for what might make us laugh, but do we truly know for sure what we’ll find funny? Laughter at its core is uncontrollable and reactionary, and that is what makes it so much fun. It’s a break from the calculated, organized, and survival of the fittest mindset that pulls us through the day to day.

So, what would happen if we didn’t try holding in our laughter during one of these instances? I suppose the people around us could get angry and upset, frustrated or confused. But if we’re open and remind ourselves that we’re just human, maybe these outbursts don’t have to be considered such a faux pas. Maybe we can talk it out as it happens, explain, and mutually understand that it’s just the nature of laughter. After all, laughter is one of the best forms of releasing energy and to prohibit yourself from this pleasure just doesn’t seem right. Laugh away I say!!