Humour First-Aid?

I believe that life is a game, and games are meant to be fun. Teasing, cajoling, and bantering can be great ways to add to the fun – or are they?

Where is that fine-line between fun, and degrading criticism?


Picture this:

It was a warm summer day. A group of friends were playing volleyball on the grass. There were children and adults running, swinging, bumping, and laughing. It was great fun. We were having some great volleys back and forth – quite impressive for a group that don’t play the game regularly.

“Great serve!”

“Way to go!”

“Cool teamwork, eh?”

“Good try. Hey, you’ll get it next time.”

Another group of visitors arrived, and two of them joined in. These two were vocal, except their words were of a different tone.


“Use those big feet to fly over there, will ya.”

“Serve it to Sally, she always misses.”

“Just aim for Tom’s big nose.”

“Look out. There goes the locomotive.”


These words were said in fun, but the atmosphere changed. Words of encouragement were tainted with remarks that were cutting in nature – not just by these two individuals, it was contagious. Within ten minutes, people were dropping out and wandering elsewhere. Fifteen minutes later, the game was done.

Why? Were participants physically exhausted?

I don’t think so.


Words are very powerful tools. They are similar to dynamite. They are small and seemingly insignificant on their own. However, when put to use, they can create amazing and wonderful things, or destroy wonderful things – depending on how they are used.

Appropriate humour is a beautiful, creative form of word art. It adds spice to life. It encourages us to think creatively, and to look for the “bright side.” It encourages us to look for alternatives and solutions, and to deal with life’s stressors in a positive way.

Humour builds rapport, confidence, and trust. It helps create a bond between people. It is an important ingredient in love.