Humor isn't for Sissies

Humor can be a tricky thing. What one person thinks is side-splitting hilarious the other person will think is dumb.

Tastes differ, that's for sure. I'm often dumbfounded by the glee dear hubby expresses when telling me a terrific joke he heard at work.

Long after the joke has been told I'm still waiting for the punchline.

For years I thought Don's taste in jokes was juvenile; he'll outgrow it and become 'sophisticated' like me, I've told myself.

I'm still waiting.

Then I discover that most men are the same way: men will tell tall tales and stories and jokes about body functions and mothers-in-law.

Women tell jokes about men.

Is there a type of fraternity these guys all belong to? Is that why they love 'The Three Stooges?'Is that why watching someone fall off a roof or get beaned by a baseball bat is rip-roaring good fun?

Why can't they be more like us girls? We enjoy true stories about what funny comment little Joey made while saying his nightly prayers. Puppy and kitty tales (tails?) are always welcome. And we would NEVER stoop so low as to laugh at the misfortune of someone else (ahem.)

We actually take it personally when our fella's joke flops.

What, doesn't he have any intelligence at all? What kind of person does he think I am that he thought I'd like that joke?

It reminds me that God must have a sense of humor; especially when we get all riled up about what WE think is right and wrong or what is appropriate.

Or funny.

I'm amused by my common belief that the world is meant to accommodate me and my opinions. Differences aren't simply unwelcome- they're downright WRONG!

I must concede that God has given us our individuality. If I criticize someone's taste in music or movies or humor I'm insulting the One Who put it there.

I'm saying that what they think or feel isn't valid yet I fight for my own right to think and feel (and laugh) the way I want to.

So funny is relative (and my relatives ARE funny...whacka whacka whacka).
The trick is to relax, smile a little, shake your head in disbelief and look at your unfunny loved ones in awe. Rejoice that at least YOUR jokes are brilliant, well thought out and skillfully delivered.

I hope to encourage dear hubby in his joke telling. Some day maybe he'll stand at a podium somewhere to deliver an important speech, beginning with a joke that will be repeated eagerly for many years to come.

Now THAT'S funny!