Nothing is more exasperating than someone who provokes us to laugh
when we feel entitled to harbor negative emotions. Laughter lifts our mood,
adjusts our perspective, and interferes with our attempts to wallow in
misery. Despite our will to remain aloof, laughter magically connects us
to others, and restores hope.

So, what leads us to question whether laughter is appropriate, or not,
during dispiriting times? The fear of offending someone in distress
prompts us to refrain from consoling through laughter. However,
it is possible to gently comfort and encourage with laughter by
following these tips:

• abstain from poking fun at the person or their
  situation.
• zero in with self-effacing humor or
• simply appreciate the ironies of life together.

When someone you care for is down in the dumps, console with laugher;
the benefits merit the risks.

Permission granted to post this humor tip on your web site, insert into your newsletter, or hang on your bulletin board by including: Provided by Lois McElravy, Lessons from Lois, www.lessonsfromlois.com