Inappropriate laughter

[Gentle Lamb]

This one friend I have tends to laugh when I tell her stuff that is serious and important to me. I've called her out on it and she says she's just trying to keep things light by laughing. But it hurts my feelings. Though I've expressed that, I keep getting the same response. And then I tend to get quiet because I feel bad, which my friend doesn't like when I am that way and tells me so... I am wondering is this a form of being controlling? How can I get this person to understand how hurtful these actions are when I've brought it up multiple times? I myself actually used to be that way in high school... But when I realized how angry and hurt that I had made one of my friends by my actions, I had to change them. That was a long time ago and I no longer have that friendship. But u remember the lesson I learned. Am I being unreasonable? I am really hurt.

 

[BobRyan]

This one friend I have tends to laugh when I tell her stuff that is serious and important to me. I've called her out on it and she says she's just trying to keep things light by laughing. But it hurts my feelings. Though I've expressed that, I keep getting the same response. And then I tend to get quiet because I feel bad, which my friend doesn't like when I am that way and tells me so... .

Laughing has many sources of motivation - one of them is that it is a nervous tic for some folks - it is their way of diffusing what is to them is an awkward or uncomfortable moment.

For other people - they only laugh when something is humorous -- you should not try to shoehorn all laughter into the one square hole of "some one is thinking something funny just happened".

For example a cough can be for different reasons, a sigh can be for different reasons etc.

 

[d taylor]

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I would not tell this friend any more serious situations.

 

[John Caldwell]

I don't know. I have known people who laughed at inappropriate things. I think it was a reaction, not their intent to harm, but a reaction to something that made them feel uncomfortable. Some laughed at sad things. Others simply when stressed.

As far as being controlled, I think I see what you mean. I'm not sure how much is us giving people control and how much is people taking control. When we are in any type of relationship there is some amount of vulnerability.

 

[Jonaitis]

I think you are being reasonable. It makes you feel uncomfortable. A friend would get that and do something about it.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

This one friend I have tends to laugh when I tell her stuff that is serious and important to me. I've called her out on it and she says she's just trying to keep things light by laughing. But it hurts my feelings. Though I've expressed that, I keep getting the same response. And then I tend to get quiet because I feel bad, which my friend doesn't like when I am that way and tells me so... I am wondering is this a form of being controlling? How can I get this person to understand how hurtful these actions are when I've brought it up multiple times? I myself actually used to be that way in high school... But when I realized how angry and hurt that I had made one of my friends by my actions, I had to change them. That was a long time ago and I no longer have that friendship. But u remember the lesson I learned. Am I being unreasonable? I am really hurt.

Your not going to change a laughing response. It is a coping mechanism under extream stress. I do hope you give your friend a break on this one.
Nervous Laughter: Causes, Psychology, Tips, and More
Why We Laugh at the Most Inappropriate Times and What It Says About Us
Blessings.

 

[Michie]

There is a condition abbreviated PBA.

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a condition that's characterized by episodes of sudden uncontrollable and inappropriate laughing or crying. Pseudobulbar affect typically occurs in people with certain neurological conditions or injuries, which might affect the way the brain controls emotion.

Pseudobulbar affect - Symptoms and causes

 

[Gentle Lamb]

Hmm... I will take all these things into consideration, thank you all so much for the helpful input. Blessings.

 

[Petros2015]

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA)

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Sometimes if people are nervous or afraid, they may laugh. I recall a courtroom scene where a defendant was being sentenced by the judge, and the guilty person smiled and chuckled. Of course this angered the judge. It was later pointed out that this was the case. The kid was just afraid and up tight.

 

[harry rotter]

This one friend I have tends to laugh when I tell her stuff that is serious and important to me. I've called her out on it and she says she's just trying to keep things light by laughing. But it hurts my feelings.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15.
And a verse in Synodal Bible (book of Sirach) says that you have to guard own heart, and you have to test your people before calling them friends.

 

[angelsaroundme]

People speak in an exaggerated manner when saying something intended to be funny. If you do that when telling people your problems, it may confuse them. It could also just be a nervous response.