According to a recent study, laughing at yourself after making a small social blunder may actually be the best way to handle the situation. Researchers have found that this approach can be more effective than showing visible embarrassment.
We’ve all been there – those moments when we say or do something that we immediately regret. It could be a slip of the tongue, a clumsy move, or simply a misunderstanding. In these situations, it’s natural to feel embarrassed and want to hide away. However, a team of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, has found that laughing at yourself can actually be a better response.
The study, published in the journal Emotion, involved a series of experiments where participants were asked to recall a time when they made a small social blunder. They were then asked to rate how embarrassed they felt and how they responded to the situation. The results showed that those who laughed at themselves after the blunder reported feeling less embarrassed and were perceived as more likeable by others.
Lead researcher, Dr. Jessica Tracy, explains that laughing at yourself can be seen as a form of self-deprecation, which can be endearing to others. It shows that you are able to acknowledge your mistake and not take yourself too seriously. This can make you more relatable and likeable, as opposed to someone who becomes visibly embarrassed and tries to hide their mistake.
But why is it that we tend to feel embarrassed in the first place? According to the researchers, it’s because we are concerned about how others perceive us. We want to be seen as competent and in control, and when we make a mistake, it can threaten this image. However, the study suggests that laughing at yourself can actually help to maintain this image, as it shows that you are able to handle the situation with grace and humor.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should laugh at every mistake we make. There are certainly times when a more serious response is appropriate. But for those small social blunders that we all make from time to time, laughing at ourselves may be the best way to diffuse the situation and move on.
So, the next time you find yourself in an embarrassing situation, try to see the humor in it and laugh at yourself. Not only will it make you feel better, but it may also make you more likeable to those around you. And who knows, you may even turn your mistake into a funny story that you can share with others.
In addition to being a useful social skill, the ability to laugh at ourselves can also have positive effects on our mental health. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and improve our overall well-being. So, not only is it a good way to handle social blunders, but it can also be a valuable tool for self-care.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should make a habit of making mistakes just for the sake of laughing at ourselves. It’s important to still strive for excellence and try to avoid making mistakes whenever possible. But when they do happen, it’s good to know that laughing at ourselves can be a healthy and effective response.
In conclusion, the next time you find yourself in an embarrassing situation, remember that laughing at yourself may be the best way to handle it. Not only will it make you feel better, but it may also make you more likeable to others. So, embrace your imperfections and don’t be afraid to have a good laugh at yourself. After all, as the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine.
