Comfort and maturity levels differentiate between individuals depending on their personal life experiences. A response of one individual in a situation could be completely opposite from the response of another. Family, friends, and peers all influence decisions and reactions. I have come to realize that the times that friends have acted stupid and immaturely in situations was because their personal comfort level is gone and their response reflects their insecurity. Laughter in a time in which seriousness is expected is a response proving insecurity and inexperience.
I personally have grown up with an extremely open family in which I have been exposed to situations and ideas that others my age have not. My parents have challenged my beliefs, and I can honestly say I am growing up open-minded and ready for all what life brings my way. I remember just the other day a friend and I were talking about some of our beliefs on life and afterlife. I understand that my beliefs are not that of a traditional Catholic and it can be hard to open up to my ideas. I could tell he was struggling with my beliefs though he said he believed me. I do not wish to change the beliefs and thoughts of my friends but only to open minds to new possibilities. I honestly do consider myself as an open minded individual but what surprised me was my initial reaction to my friends’ beliefs. When he would state ideas in which I do not agree with, my first thought was to tell him he was wrong. As I listened I realized it was not my place to tell him what to believe in and instead of arguing I just listened trying to maintain that open mind. Discussing life with other individuals helps youth develop into more of a unique individual and creates maturity. I have learned that asking questions is not a weakness but strength.
Spontaneous laughter in times in which seriousness is expected has been occurring throughout all my years of schooling. The way I see the actions made by my peers is completely different then the way that same individual sees himself. There was a time in class when the teacher said the word “duties” and students began to laugh hysterically. These students see themselves as cool and popular if other students laugh with them. These students are looking at the situation as “cool” while others will be looking at that same individual as an idiot. Opinions differ amongst certain individuals. The way I see myself is not the same as how others look at me.
Spontaneous laughter in a time of seriousness can also be a result of misunderstandings. When I am in a large group I find it incredibly difficult to fully grasp all the conversations going on at once. I personally find it extremely embarrassing when I misunderstand a conversation and the others look at me like I am stupid. There was one specific circumstance where I completely misunderstood a conversation because I started listening halfway into the conversation. In the middle the story I burst out laughing in hysterics. I truly thought the story was a joke but it was a serious story. The individual telling the story was majorly offended. I have always assumed laughter in a time of seriousness was based on immaturity but it can in fact be just a case of misunderstandings.
I have always reacted negatively to laughter in a time of seriousness but now I understand the numerous reasons and points of view on the issue. Fear, insecurity or even just a simple misunderstanding causes this form of laughter. I also have now realized that my perspective of an issue being rude may not have even crossed that individuals mind as rude. How I respond to my life experience and see myself will never be that same as another’s opinion of me.
Laughter in a time of seriousness involves individuals feeling out of place and insecure the majority of the time. In order to keep their feeling inside, laughter is used. I understand that times occur where laughter helps me get through pain because being serious constantly is depressing. I can honestly say that I have judged others and personally laughed when I was suppose to be serious. One reason of why laughter occurs during serious times does not exist. Reasons change for the choice of laughter and I have chosen not to judge a reaction of another because I don’t know what is going on inside.
