Funny?

What makes us laugh? It depends on what we think is funny. I enjoy a good laugh, but everyone does not find the same thing amusing, comical or humorous. 

For instance, my husband and I do not always laugh at the same things. 

A few weeks ago, while grocery shopping together we stood side by side in the produce department discussing the list of items needed. A woman walked by and commented, “You guys are so cute.”

My husband laughed while I said nothing but thought about everything. What in the world does she mean by that? We’re both wearing shorts and sandals, but  it’s not like we’ve got matching outfits. We’re both tall and lean, but my hair is longer than his. It’s not like we look alike.  

As my husband and I continued through the store, I silently scrutinized, analyzed, and probed various explanations for the words that came from that woman. 

Perhaps this is why I tend to have more “good” cries than “good” laughs because I investigate, explore and dissect the words and ways of others, maybe more than needed. 

But as I wandered I wondered. I remember another couple from days gone by. I’d see them grocery shopping together when I used to do the grocery shopping alone. I’d smile whenever I saw them. 

I knew this couple, I’ll call them Bob and Jean, from church. Unlike the woman who breezed by my husband and me, Bob and Jean were not strangers. I knew them and their kids. I knew Bob liked to fish and Jean was a retired secretary. Sometimes we’d stop and chat with each other. 

Then, Jean got sick, and I’d see Bob doing the shopping alone. Then Jean died and I don’t see Bob any more. 

Is that the track my husband and I are on? We are that cute, mature couple shopping together? 

I’m curious if that woman thinks younger couples who shop together are cute too? Was I thinking too hard about this stranger’s comment? 

While loading our groceries into the car, my husband asked, “Are you over that woman’s comment yet?”

That made me laugh. He knows me too well.

Why Bother?

Why bother noticing what you find funny? Not everybody will laugh at the same thing, but everybody’s going to laugh at something.