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How to react to poor humour

4 replies

scoobycute · 29/06/2022 11:56

BIL is socially awkward and it fluctuates often. He uses humour as a way of dealing with this I think..but it is terrible, inappropriate and immature.

Examples include jokes about domestic violence or odd references to things that bear no relevance to the topic, especially things that try and embarrass other people or bring a serious chat down to a joke..

I've noticed it more and more recently and he looks for a laugh but often me and my DH just don't laugh or look at him which makes him look and feel more uncomfortable!

I'm not "behind the door" with stating if I disagree about something and we have debated about many many topics in the past so he knows I say it how it is..I just think if I draw attention to a bad joke it will make him feel even more socially awkward?? More so the immature ones..because it's kind of an attack on his sense of humour/personality!

Help!

It irritates me so much though and I feel it may be hindering him finding a girlfriend and settling down!

OP posts:
LifeIsARollerCoaster22 · 29/06/2022 12:12

Im sorry but someone once ' joked' about DV to me and a friend.
I replied with shut the fuck up bell end
That simple.

But i have no tact when it comes to things like that

memyselfi · 29/06/2022 13:30

I suppose the obvious answer is to explain it to him, would he be receptive to an honest conversation?
How old is he ?

scoobycute · 29/06/2022 13:51

@memyselfi he's 35! An honest chat might be the way, he would absolutely die off with awkwardness though 🙈

OP posts:
memyselfi · 29/06/2022 14:05

I wouldn't feel too terrible about making feel awkward considering he purposely tries to embarrass others.
It's actually a very kind and generous thing to do , I imagine a lot of people in your position would just avoid him.
Would it be better received from your DH though ?
How would he react if someone was visibly upset at his comments ?
His reaction should tell you if he's genuinely socially clueless or if he's just a bit of a shit .

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