I love to laugh.

I laugh every day. Sometimes because something is genuinely funny. Sometimes because life is absurd. Sometimes because the alternative is crying, and frankly, I already have enough hobbies.

I joke. I find the ridiculous in the ordinary. I look for the silver lining even when it’s hiding under the furniture.

Psychologically, laughter is actually pretty useful. It can reduce stress, loosen tension, connect us to other people, and give us just enough distance from a difficult moment to see it differently.

But apparently, some people are suspicious of laughter.

I’ve had people be turned off or even slightly frightened by my laughing. As if laughter is evidence of something sinister. Perhaps they’re wondering, Why is she laughing? What does she know? Is this a trap?

No. I just think life is funny.

And sometimes the darkest, strangest, most ridiculous moments are exactly when humor becomes most necessary.

I laugh so I don’t cry.

I laugh because I can.

And sometimes I laugh because if you don’t find something to laugh about, you might spend the whole day taking everything far too seriously.

Which, in my professional opinion, sounds exhausting.