Defining a Good Sense of Humor

What is your definition of a sense of humor? To have a sense of humor means that you seek out the lighter side of things. It also means that you have a healthy outlook on life, especially when most others see a situation as something negative.

Having a sense of humor involves looking at some aspect of a particular circumstance as amusing. Whether it is an accident, a misfortune, or simply making a small mistake, having a sense of humor can turn a potentially embarrassing or negative situation into something funny. Although some people may naturally be witty or optimistic, everyone can cultivate some level of skill in being light-hearted and funny.

How can we each learn how to have a sense of humor? Read the following examples and imagine yourself in the same situations:
1. Instead of crying or being embarrassed if you fall in front of someone, try saying something funny such as “Who put that invisible banana peel there?”
2. Instead of being embarrassed by a scratch on your face, try saying something like “I’m wearing my Halloween costume early this year.”
3. Instead of worrying about a stain on your shirt, try saying something like “This is my friend Spot and he is going to hang out with me all day today.”
4. Instead of worrying about your clothes accidentally getting wet, try saying something like “I didn’t realize that my clothes were thirsty.”
5. Instead of getting mad when someone picks on you about your braces, try saying something like “Oh, so I guess we know who got the job as the new braces monitor. Good job!”
(Some of these may sound “corny,” but they will lighten a potentially negative situation!)

Laughing at yourself instead of getting embarrassed or angry is the first step toward cultivating a great sense of humor. It is a terrific quality to have and shows that you can maintain your self-esteem in difficult situations. This type of personality is one that your friends and family will always cherish.

Keep in mind, this does not mean that you should ever “joke” about someone else to make them feel bad. A sense of humor should never be used at someone else’s expense! Knowing when and how to use your sense of humor is important. As long as you always remember that a sense of humor is meant to make everyone smile, then you are on your way to loads of fun and laughter.