Thinking about teasing
@sallypup (58047)
Centralia, Washington
November 2, 2020 10:41am CST
What is a friendly tease? What is funny and brings a giggle to you?
When I was a kid I trusted one of my brothers. I sat in a ferris wheel seat with him. We rode way up and when we got to the top, the ride stopped. I sat there with my brother, trying to enjoy the scenery way below us, trying to not be jittery and nervous about being high as a bird. And brother? He thought it hilarious to make the seat we were in jiggle and move. Pretty funny joke to him. For me? I remember my fear and its been over fifty years since that night.
My brother in law used to tease my Mom. He would run up quietly behind her and suddenly tickle her in the ribs. She did not find it funny. He did.
Is teasing an innocent joke or is there something underneath the act? Is it a power grab or just harmless interaction? These questions are on my mind this morning.
14 people like this
14 responses
@wolfgirl569 (95532)
• Marion, Ohio
3 Nov 20
Fun teasing is good I think. But there is cruel teasing also. That is name calling and even going to far with things like tickling someone until they pee.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (170302)
• United States
2 Nov 20
Teasing is not too harmless..it is often an act of hostility, but some people are playful and do it to show their affection in a good natured way. As long as the "target" gets to tease back, it is probably OK.
2 people like this
@sweetshayens (328)
•
2 Nov 20
Sometimes people does things that they think funny, but for others/the teasing target it feel weird, harmful or rude.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157645)
• United States
7 Nov 20
When I had a daycare, and lots of kids around all the time, I always told them "A joke is only a joke if everyone can laugh." I still feel like that is a good definition. Some people relish being teased, for others it is provoking.
@shaggin (71662)
• United States
4 Nov 20
If I tease someone by saying something to see what they say I immediately say I’m just kidding after so they don’t believe it. My son says that’s why I’m not funny. I always take jokes literally so I worry others will believe the jokes and take them seriously too.
I would be so mad if someone ran up and tickled me. I cannot stand being tickled. I don’t like being touched at all unless it’s a hug from my husband or kids otherwise keep your hands off me ick lol.
I’m terrified of heights. Last time I went on the Ferris wheel I thought I was going to have a heart attack I was so terrified. I made the kids sit perfectly still and not move a muscle. I will never go on one again. I miss being a kid and not being afraid of heights.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
2 Nov 20
I agree it really depends on the intent of the teaser. My hubs loved to tease the kids and evidently, they loved it, they kept going back for more lol But Al doesn't have a mean bone in his body.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (62340)
• United States
2 Nov 20
I think teasing is a sign of deep friendship. If you were to wander onto a Putt Putt course when we were practicing for a tournament and heard us talking to one another, you’d swear a riot or mass murder was about to break out. But that comes from decades of friendship. If a stranger walked up and said something that we say to each other they’d find two dozen putters wrapped around their neck!
It does help to know the person doing the teasing (so someone knows that it’s a joke), as well as the person being teased (to know if they like joking around). There’s a line between “teasing” (fun) and “bulllying” (mean-spirited), so people do have to be careful. Especially in these days.
2 people like this
@jstory07 (134522)
• Roseburg, Oregon
3 Nov 20
Teasing someone is not nice and it harms the person that you are teasing. I know I was teased my whole childhood about my eyes. I have never teased anyone about anything and never will
Jokes are ok if it is with someone you know that you can joke with them.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247103)
• United States
3 Nov 20
Good questions. I think most forms of teasing are not funny for the one being teased. It could be passive-aggressive or a way of manipulating people. However, it can be more innocent. My husband tickles me to get me laughing when I'm stressed out. It always works especially when he stops when I tell him I've had enough laughing.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (156807)
• United States
2 Nov 20
A friendly tease is OK; but I still don't get some of the teasing that my husband does after 50 years of marriage.
