>> Why We Have This Emotion
Amusement occurs when we're having fun with new, silly, or surprising things that feel safe. It helps us relax, brings us closer to other people, and helps us think in more creative ways.
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Let the laugh out, it'll fade
- Take a quick break if needed
- Own your missteps gracefully
- Share the moment with others
- Share with others who “get you”
- Plan who to share this with later
- Write it down for cheering up later
Bad Ideas
- Overexplain a joke
- Mock others with humor
- Alienate others with inside jokes
- Use humor to avoid accountability
- Repeat a bit until it annoys others
- Hold double standards for humor
- Let sarcasm erode trust