Is sense of Humor dependent on Mood ?

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meenakshi

New member
A good sense of humor is an underlying quality, while moods come & go.
But does humor Always Prevail?
Why / When ?
Dear kenna, isn't/shouldn't humor be an intrinsic quality of an individual [some have it, some don't, few acquire it].
My premise is that if one has a true sense of humor, Nothing can override it - no calamity, no obstacle, let alone mood swings.
Dear ck1, a very well-thought out answer !
I believe there is a cultural angle to humor too. Some cultures & communities appreciate & encourage the ‘lighter side of life’, while others tend to be too serious [& hoity-toity, if I may use that term ;-)]. I would love to hear more of your Qs / thoughts !

Dear Susanna & JON, I see your point. Humor should heal & brighten spirits. But there are times & individuals when it may Not be taken in the right spirit, may be viewed as flippant; hence it is better to overcome/subdue the urge, sad as it may be.
 
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CK1

New member
No, I don't believe a sense of humor is dependent on mood. However, I think it can be suppressed because of a negative mood. Though I'd agree a sense of humor is an intrinsic quality, unfortunately it does not always prevail in the face of certain circumstances. You still retain, as the dictionary definition calls it, "the trait of appreciating (and being able to express) the humorous," but you can refuse to allow it to come to the surface.

What strikes you as funny can change, though, which is perhaps what Kenna meant. When I was a child, for instance, over-the-top slapstick humor struck me as funny. When I grew up, I no longer appreciated that brand of humor. My mood, too, can change what strikes me as funny. If I am extremely happy, something which I would normally label "silly," may cause me to laugh. If I were unhappy or in a bad mood, that same thing might merely seem ridiculous to me.

So, yes, I'd agree with you that nothing can override a true sense of humor, but it can be subdued if you permit it to be. The tendency to quash it or curb it usually comes at the times you need it most; times of sorrow or anger are two which spring to mind. I believe in the healing power of laughter, but there is no laughter if your sense of humor is not allowed to surface.

It is an interesting question which branches off into other questions. For instance, what, exactly, is a -good- sense of humor and does it mean there is such a thing as a bad one? Are there truly people with no sense of humor at all, or are they simply people who have never relaxed enough and have such tight control over themselves, they have never truly allowed that sense of humor to work in them? Is it possible for people to cultivate a sense of humor by refusing to take themselves entirely seriously all the time and/or by beginning to recognize and appreciate the little things in life? If the latter is true, I'd suppose the sense of humor has been there all along, but has purposely been inhibited.

Good question, which really makes me think. More ideas are swirling around in my mind, but I've rambled on long enough.
 
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susanna

New member
A sense of humor is a must..sometimes when I am around someone that gets on my nerves..I find myself getting sarcastic with my humor..I know it is time for me to exit the situation..
Humor is my safety outlet, I have learned to let it prevail when appropriate...
 
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mmmmmmmmJONmmmmmmmm

New member
my sense of humor is best when i'm in a good mood. When I'm in a bad mood...I just want to avoid everyone.

I could not agree more with Susanna...I'm the same way. When someone is around me who bugs me, I get SO sarcastic. And then usually later, i worry that i offended them.
 
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