How many times have we heard people tell a joke that we're not sure was a joke? How many times have we had someone tell us something we think is true, then they tell us they were only joking? More often than not what they were telling us was the truth; but were afraid to admit to, it so they hid it inside a joke instead.
This doesn't just apply to other people doing it; chances are you've also done it too. In many ways this is a good defense mechanism because it allows us be honest without risking ourselves. However, that doesn't mean it's all good; there are many situations when this becomes more harmful than beneficial.
A perfect example of that is when we say something harmful or negative. By being able to hide it in a joke we get to undermine it in our life. Unfortunately, the person the "joke" was made about doesn't get that same luxury. They get to deal with it as a full-on slap in the face, while you just walk away. Because you we're willing to make it a joke, it made it acceptable for you to do it in the first place - making it harmful, not funny. Whereas, if you hadn't made it a joke you never would have done it at all.
Another example would be when you undermine things in your own life. By turning real issues and problems into a "joke", it ensures you'll never have to look at them or deal with them. That ensures that the problem will never get dealt with; unfortunately, it also works to make sure the problem becomes bigger. Even though it did give you an excuse to not look at it, hiding it behind a joke only makes things worse.
However, there are other many other options available than turning things into a "joke". Instead of undermining the problems and issues in our life, we can minimize them instead. It doesn't turn it into a joke, yet still allows us to look at and deal with them. By minimizing the situation, it makes it easier to deal with without having to sell ourselves out, lie about the situation, or manipulate ourselves.
So before you decide to turn things into a "joke", why not take a step back and re-evaluate what you were about to do? You may just find that you're far more willing to hurt yourself and others when you can claim its a joke, but not so willing when its the truth.
Copyright Devon K (FreeFromIssues.com) All Rights Reserved
Devon K has been helping people learn more about themselves and how to live a better life for over fifteen years. In that time his works have been featured in magazines, blogs, and is scattered all over the Internet. If you found this article entertaining or educational in some way, why not head over to Devon's website www.freefromissues.com.
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
No comments:
Post a Comment