Life Is A Joke & I’m The Punchline

Life is easier when you role with the punches, but not if you’re the punchline.

I’m being dramatic (shocker). But I’d like to think that people are laughing with me, not at me. I consider myself to be a funny person. I make jokes, I laugh, I go with the flow and I don’t take things personally (jk). When you get yourself into as many uncomfortable situations as I have, or situations that aren’t necessarily a good reflection of who you are as a person, you learn to brush things off and laugh at it.

I remember I was at dinner with a group of friends the one night and the conversation stopped and someone made a not-so-nice joke at me. Of course I was caught off guard and little frustrated that someone was making a joke at my expense, especially in a group of people that big. However, I couldn’t get upset in the moment and ask “wtf?” Rather, I played along and the group had a laugh. Despite the lack of detail in the story, I’m hoping you get the idea.

The point is that even though I was put on the spot, I kept my cool. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that not everyone would’ve had the same reaction I had. It’s like when someone says “remember when you dated _____?” Normally people would feel embarrassed and would’ve shut the conversation down immediately. I, for some reason, didn’t feel the need to take it personally, despite questioning if it was friendly fire or an attack. Why is that?

I think it’s important to not take things personally, whether it’s something someone said, something that happened to you, etc. When you take things personally, your mood changes. You create false narratives in your head. You overthink things. You let it get to you. People notice your reaction and change their energy because of it. When you physically show that you were affected by another person’s actions, they know what sets you off. Having a poker face is key, even though it might kill you inside.

Now the real question might be, why would someone make a joke at your expense if you’re friends? And that’s exactly it. You never know what the other person’s intentions are, friend or foe. Whether it’s coming from a best friend or a stranger, their motive is never shared which is why it’s best to ignore the negativity. Although, it’s much easier to do that when it’s coming from someone you don’t necessarily care about rather than someone in your circle.

No matter the situation you’re in, just remember that sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you. And if they do, try not to let them (even though it’s easier said than done). At the end of the day, people will remember how you acted, not what was said. So laugh and carry on.

xoxo

-C