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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michael Bell on October 3, 2008, at 13:17:03
What is good for improving sense of humor? I mean, seeing the humor in things, being quick-witted, etc. I found that Picamilon and 2-3 drinks definitely did the trick for some time. Any advice on this?
Posted by desolationrower on October 3, 2008, at 14:08:14
In reply to What is good for improving sense of humor?, posted by Michael Bell on October 3, 2008, at 13:17:03
take an improv class.
-d/r
Posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2008, at 14:45:37
In reply to What is good for improving sense of humor?, posted by Michael Bell on October 3, 2008, at 13:17:03
Isn't that more of a personality trait? I personally have never had a great sense of humor don't find humor in a lot of jokes others do. Phillipa
Posted by Nadezda on October 3, 2008, at 14:45:58
In reply to What is good for improving sense of humor?, posted by Michael Bell on October 3, 2008, at 13:17:03
Sounds like anxiety igets in the way. Maybe working on the roots of the anxiety, or on how to overcome it--possibly through dbt (dialectical behavior therapy) type techniques--would help a lot.
Other than that. I guess reading a lot of jokes and getting how they work,-- well improv might help-- but that's quite a big step, if you're anxious.
Nadezda
Posted by med_empowered on October 3, 2008, at 16:21:15
In reply to Re: What is good for improving sense of humor?, posted by Nadezda on October 3, 2008, at 14:45:58
I think its partly a comfort/anxiety level issue...if you're super-anxious, that will prevent you from being quick-witted. It may also be an inborn personality trait; some people, no matter how intelligent, just aren't quick-witted, life-of-the-party types.
That said: if you're looking to be more extroverted in general, there's always self-help. I imagine once you increase your level of sociability you might become more quick-witted/funny. You could try some Dale Carnegie-type stuff.
Posted by Sigismund on October 3, 2008, at 16:47:32
In reply to What is good for improving sense of humor?, posted by Michael Bell on October 3, 2008, at 13:17:03
What about watching good comedy?
Posted by yxibow on October 3, 2008, at 23:06:21
In reply to What is good for improving sense of humor?, posted by Michael Bell on October 3, 2008, at 13:17:03
> What is good for improving sense of humor? I mean, seeing the humor in things, being quick-witted, etc. I found that Picamilon and 2-3 drinks definitely did the trick for some time. Any advice on this?
Yes, we all drink from time to time, that's fine if it doesn't hurt what you are facing and what medications you are taking, but all it does in that regard you are mentioning is make you lose your inhibition. (And possibly get a hangover and depression)
Building up your self-esteem by doing things is a way of raising your confidence, and lowering depression and maybe by that you will rediscover your humor.Sometimes laughing at yourself (I'm not trying to be contrite) in a positive way helps some.
People will always have a selective sense of humor -- some subjects will make them down, and some will really pick you up.
Do you like music -- sometimes that can generate some humor?
I guess what I'm saying is that it doesn't in the end come from a pill, but from what you inherit by doing things and especially social interaction.
At least that's my view -- I don't think there's a "humor pill". And I'm not trying to be mean by saying that.
-- best wishes
Jay
Posted by Racer on October 4, 2008, at 9:08:46
In reply to What is good for improving sense of humor?, posted by Michael Bell on October 3, 2008, at 13:17:03
For me, remission brings back my sense of humor. I gotta join with Yxibow -- smart fellow -- in saying that laughing at myself has helped me tremendously. Now, it might be easier for me, since I sometimes think I'm part cartoon character, and it's certainly gotten a whole helluva lot easier since I passed 40 some years back. Sometimes I get my therapist laughing hard enough it's hard to continue a session, just laughing at myself.
I come from a teasing family, though. A lot of that teasing wasn't very kind, so I had to learn to be OK with more appropriate teasing. Once I learned that, though, I find I tease myself a lot, and it helps defuse my anxiety an awful lot.
Do you tease other people? In a kind way, of course? If so, try teasing yourself, to yourself. Not the sort of self-depreciating "teasing" that's more an expression of self-doubt or self-criticism, but true teasing? Here's a quick example, from my therapy session the other day: when my therapist was trying to get me to examine my fear of gaining weight, I finally told her that, if I gained weight, the earth would fall off its axis, fly off into space, and then everyone would be devastated... Well, that's a form of teasing -- I know my fear of gaining weight is ridiculous. I know that it's part of the disorder. And it's still very real to me -- but the more I can laugh at how absurd it really is, the more I can defuse that fear that the world really would end if I gain five pounds. That sort of self-teasing has been a good technique for me to learn to control and reduce my own natural self-doubt, self-consciousness, insecurity, etc.
There's another thing that helped me more than I can say: teaching. If that's an option for you -- most areas have adult education programs that are begging for teachers for one or two classes a year, in any number of subjects -- I strongly recommend it. The first time or two is often hard, but if you can get to focusing on the students, and on their understanding of the material you're trying to get across, it's a priceless way to get over a lot of anxiety.
Now, I am certainly not saying that my native temperament has changed. Presenting myself as an outgoing, confident person will never be native to me -- but I can present myself that way now, largely through practice. So, practice makes a big difference, too.
And remember -- most people are too concerned with how *you* see them, to worry too much about how they see *you.* Sad, but far more true than one likes to think...
That's all kinda rambling. I do hope something in there is helpful...
Posted by elanor roosevelt on October 4, 2008, at 11:04:14
In reply to What is good for improving sense of humor?, posted by Michael Bell on October 3, 2008, at 13:17:03
i like caffeine and sugar to get going socially
and then ask lots of questions--listen carefully to what people say and get in a few "wasn't that kind of scarey?" wow-- so unfair--what did you do?" "i think i would feel kind of embarassed in that situation"
empathy and prying
people tell you odd and funny storiesdefinitely funny movies
I would start with "Home for the Holidays"
some books--collections of "Get Fuzzy" or "Dilbert"just gave myself some good advice
gotta go
Posted by Cwolf on October 5, 2008, at 13:18:04
In reply to Re: What is good for improving sense of humor?, posted by elanor roosevelt on October 4, 2008, at 11:04:14
I have found that learning to laugh at myself is the first step of being able to laugh at others. Just like learning to love myself before being able to love others.
There is no "sure thing" to help with your sense of humor, i.e. books, movies. You know your own style of learning more than anyone else, use it to your advantage.
I have been told by many people that I have a great sense of humor and should be on Last Comic Standing. Do I occasionally offend? Yes, but I learn from my mistakes and move on not dwelling on the mistake, but how to improve.
Be patient, be attentive, look at things from "outside of the box," and eventually (hopefully), it will come naturally. Don't try too hard and remember, no one rides the bull for 8 seconds on their first time out the gate.
This is the end of the thread.
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