Compliment of Humor

Yesterday, Theo asked me how it is that I’m so funny. It’s true, I often crack subtle jokes and try to make up clever responses. But more often, I’m just saying what comes naturally.

That I’m funny is a compliment I’ve heard several times this year. To be honest, it makes me feel really good every time I hear it. It’s good to know that I’m somehow benefiting others, making their days brighter and happier. On the other hand, I wonder what exactly it is that makes others laugh. I wonder how long I can keep this up, what would happen if someday I just couldn’t think of anything humorous anymore. It’s a little frightening, maybe because I like being funny so much.

It reminds me of days many years ago when I would spend hours on AIM. This was around middle school, 6th thru 8th grade. It wouldn’t just be small talk. I’d talk about serious issues, too. About life, about programming, about gaming and about fun. I was part of a Pokemon fan club known as “Clan Dragon”, abbreviated DRGN, and we often spent time in chat rooms, just thinking, typing, and making each other laugh out loud (LOL, literally).

In real life, I was a loser, quite depressed and not having a single “good” friend. But online, I was well-known as someone who was clever, witty, quick-thinking and fun to chat with. It was an interesting time, a strange experience now that I think back on it. On the other hand, I wonder if I’m representing it accurately, looking back on it all these years later. But even at the time, I knew it was unique. I knew it was a special experience I couldn’t get anywhere else but on the Internet. It wasn’t bad. It provided an escape that was as educational as it was entertaining. I think it’s really the only place where my true personality was allowed to come out. Using computers and communicating online comes so naturally to me.

It’s shifting today. Unlike my middle school years, I no longer chat online for more than a few minutes at a time. I guess I’ve had enough of it. It’s taught me well, helped me to gain experience with my corny responses and cheesy jokes… and I think it’s starting to transition into the real world. When I talk now, there’s some reflection of my “AIM past” in most of what I say. And I think that’s a good thing, because instant messengers have somehow taught me to communicate effectively.
If you think I’m funny, tell me. It’s a great encouragement, and I love to hear it.