One of the things I really enjoy is comedy. I love to laugh and make people laugh. And who doesn’t like a good joke, a good rib from time to time? All in fun, of course, as long as it’s not malicious or mean spirited.  But when is a joke no longer a joke? When does it become verbal abuse? I wonder sometimes.

I’m sure most people experience it. Hanging with friends or loved ones who tease, rib, and roast each other. Sure, I’m always about kindness and consideration of our fellow humans, but we got to let our hair down, or lack thereof once and a while. But when is the line crossed? What’s the limit?

With me, admittedly, I’m an easy target. Being overweight makes it easy for some. The low hanging fruit gets picked constantly. But, in my self-deprecating ways, I just go along with it. Am I wrong? I wonder often. Perhaps I’m at fault for perpetuating it. I encourage it. I enable it. But it’s just a joke,  right?

There are days when I am mentally exhausted. After a long day, the clown makeup comes off, and the sadness emerges from the background and comes to the forefront at times. But I deal. Wiping up the mess and plowing forward.  I  am so grateful to have a wife and family so supportive. The sadness disappears… but is it just a band-aid?

There is nothing wrong with trying to have a laugh. But at what price? What expense? Is it wrong to insult, degrade, or dehumanize someone just to be funny? Allowing such things is also pretty pricey to pay, especially if you are dealing with mental issues as I do. The fragility of one’s self and mind usually isn’t considered in such instances.

You do have to look at things on the brighter side. Make light of it…accordingly. There’s a time and place for everything. But be aware of what’s light-hearted and what’s malicious. Who’s a “friend ” or who’s a sheep in wolves clothing. In the end, it’s about you, your well-being,  hell, even your level of self-worth and self-respect. That’s not a laughing matter.

J.R.