Humour and Interpretation

I am aware that communication issues tend to be a common problem for autists. Having been a member of this online community since 2022, I have witnessed plenty of misunderstandings and spats.

Earlier, I read a post on the forums that had caused me some amusement. My interpretation was that it wasn't intended to be a serious post. I felt compelled to respond, but part-way through typing my response, I started to have doubts.

Whilst typing my response, I realised that in addition to the post being in the Health & Wellbeing section, the member had used several tags that suggested their post was actually intended to be taken seriously.

I was faced with the dilemma of whether to post my response, or to completely abort. I chose to continue, but now I'm thinking that maybe it would have been better to abort.

For me, I consider humour and laughter to be essential to health and wellbeing. However, I'm also aware that there's a time and a place.

I'm curious to know if other members have found themselves in similar situations?

On one hand, I feel like this is the one place where I should be able to ditch the mask and be myself. On the other hand, I'm well aware of the need to be careful, as the last thing I want is to say something in jest that causes offence and/or distress to another member.

Parents
  • Hi  

    I definitely struggle in this area, online especially. I have to read the post and re-read it then read some of the responses to get an idea of the general tone.

    Face to face seems easier, although sometimes people laugh at what I say and I don't know why. Most of the jokes people tell me go way over my head unless they are simple. Sometimes I find myself laughing at something no-one else finds funny.

    I agree humour is an essential part of our human experience.

    I have put my foot in it so many times throughout my life which has helped me have quite a laid back view when it comes to difference's in humour as long as there is no malice in it.

    This joke came to mind. Sorry, I know it's rubbish, but I just had to.(⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

    Person A: No offence
    Person B: That’s fine, I wouldn’t take offence… I’d take a gate instead!

  • I have to read the post and re-read it then read some of the responses to get an idea of the general tone.

    I can relate to this because it's something I do myself. However, it can be even more difficult to gauge the tone when there are no other responses because yours is the first one. 

    Your joke makes me think of Tim Vine's brand of humour. I know there's a name for that particular genre, but for the life of me I can't remember what it is. I'm blaming it on menopausal brain fog. Sweat smile

  • Relating on all fronts!!

    I love Tim Vine. (⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠)

Reply Children
No Data