Inappropriate laughter (lighthearted)

[Georgeskitchen]

Has anyone laughed at what they thought was a joke then realised with horror it was deadly serious?
Here's mine; a few years ago I landed a job on the enquiries desk at a large store.
On day 3 of my training period a middle aged gentleman approached and asked if we had the latest Jedward CD.
I started laughing and was met with stony silence. I really thought he was joking
(Apologies Jedward I don't think you're that bad really)😀😀

I was a lay member of a local council committee ina relatively middle class area. The item under discussion was support for new mothers. The male Chair mansplained that capable, successful career women can hit a brick wall when they have children and sometimes need support. I and the other female committe member both laughed - but it was a laugh of recognition, solidarity, and perhaps disbelief that it needed to be said, rather than mocking. The male members and Chair didn't get it, and gave us hard stares! 😐

Back in the dark ages, Bournemouth University. Shoot me now!