Courtesy Laughs

One a day....

You know you've done it. Someone is telling a joke or a story that is obviously not going anywhere, and you are trying to be polite. You don't want them to look stupid. You are looking out for them. So you laugh. You didn't really think it was funny, but you somehow contorted a smile and mustered out a chuckle. You didn't want them to just be hanging out there in that awkward post-story-silence. You threw them a bone. And an acorn.

Have you ever had this person that you just protected throw you under the bus (after you just threw them a bone, mind you) and call you out on your courtesy laugh? I have. I'm like - Wait a second! I was just trying to spare you the embarrassment and you are going to directly embarrass me over it? I don't understand this.

It's like somebody is holding your friend up at gunpoint. You jump in and knock out the gunman, only to have your friend pick up the weapon from off the pavement and then take the opportunity to point it at you demanding your wallet.

I always want to say - "Hey, I'm doing you a favor by courtesy laughing. Your story really sucked. I was trying to help you."

And then I'd giggle and say - "Just kidding."