Brenda’s Blog – October 28, 2014
Patient’s wife to nurse: “We’ve been married 71 years and we love each other very much.” Family member to nurse: “They would have been married 75 but he had to wait 4 years for her to get out of jail.” The goal was levity, but the result was a marked silence.
Sitting in the waiting room of the cardiac care unit provides ample material for thought and blogging. It also reminds me of the way human nature displays itself during crisis and tension.
Humor is the great social lubricant. We use it to share joys and to reduce stress. Art Linkletter made a fortune regaling the American public with his “Kids Say The Darndest Things!” Kids are not the only ones, are they? But just as my Mom said, “There is a time and place for everything.”
A local leader uses humor to spur others to action, but his sarcasm merely draws negative reactions. How we use this tool is an important element in successful interpersonal relationships. A study done of top executives listed “sense of humor” as one of the common attributes. A well-developed, well-honed appropriate use of stories and laughter can create a more favorable work environment just as a biting tongue can stifle creativity and collegiality.
Proverbs tells us, “A merry heart does good like a medicine.” Medical data shows patients with a congenial attitude and positive expectations recover more quickly. And, a warm smile and laughter create a friendly bond between staff and patient. But off-color or snide remarks certainly serve as negative warnings.
The dismayed young man who could not understand why his Mother-in-Law didn’t appreciate his bedside humor learned about the timing of witty comments. Hopefully, he has learned when and when not to joke!
The masterful use of humor aids in a winsome, winning personality.