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When people tell a joke and you don’t find it funny, should you pretend to laugh or not laugh at all?

Today a important relative of mine told a joke to a group of my family which included me. I didn’t find the joke funny but smiled and pretended to laugh and then later on I said things which made them realize I didn’t get the joke at all. I felt so bad and idiotic at this. So, what should I do next time? Should I just say something like, “Sorry, I didn’t find that funny.” or what?

Just smile….. after all you can appreciate the effort someone makes in telling the joke without finding the joke funny.

12 Responses

  1. OnceUponaTime Says:

    NEVER say you don;t find it funny, that is just rude no matter who it is, best to go along and laugh and pretend, I’ve done that thousands of times, once in a while I will press for an explanation but only when I was with close friends.
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  2. Jeff N Says:

    make a joke back like, “good one” and then they will feel like an idiot for telling it
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  3. Karma Says:

    if you don’t find it funny just grin a little and don’t comment or ask questions about it because then it might become obvious that you either don’t find it funny or that you didn’t get it
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  4. EZ Says:

    i usually pretend i laugh but i don’t put too much effort into it. it’s polite yet i think shows the person their joke was lame.
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  5. gina d Says:

    I think it’s more rude not to laugh. Just pretend to laugh with an appreciative chuckle. You didn’t come off as lame- it’s no biggie! This just nicely shows that their joke wasn’t that good in a non-offensive way.
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  6. Let truth be known Says:

    Just smile….. after all you can appreciate the effort someone makes in telling the joke without finding the joke funny.
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  7. Lisa H Says:

    if its someone u r pretty comfortable with like a close friend i usually laugh hysterically and suddenly stop and say something like not funny. otherwise just laugh along with it, dont be rude
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  8. ladybug_jane22 Says:

    If you can’t fake laughter, which I can’t, just say “that’s a good one! Very funny!” It would make for an awkward moment if you told a group of people, especially relatives, that you didn’t find the joke funny!
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  9. wittyteacup says Peace!! Says:

    I usually just grin and give a little laugh.

    NEVER say that you don’t find it funny, it’s just plain rude.
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  10. Liser Says:

    If the joke is offensive, I won’t pretend I think it’s funny. Otherwise, if it’s just a cheesy joke that bombed, I’ll fake a chuckle so the person doesn’t feel so awkward.
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  11. twopewsback Says:

    Jokes just keep the conversation going. just come up with one of your own big hitters and see them fall to the floor in hysterical laugher…………. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or more, important ralative told a joke in the corner store, half the people die by holding their breath, important ralative told another one and kill all the rest.
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  12. alyssum32 Says:

    Admit to not understanding the joke. And then if you get it you can still be entertained by it and they will be glad that you actually asked them to clarify because they it will make them feel more satisfied with your reaction (or lack there of) and they won’t feel foolish for telling it and you won’t feel bad for not understanding.
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