I lost my sense of humour while I was in Japan. At first, it was just disappointing because the Japanese didn’t understand my precious Aussie humour, but then one particular girlfriend started getting angry whenever I joked. She saw the humour as either derogatory (when directed at others) or proud (when laughing at myself) and would yell at me or refuse to talk to me when I joked. I learnt not to.
I’ve struggled to regain it ever since I left Japan, but it’s been a long fight. Even now, 7 years later, I find many things people say unamusing, but it’s coming back. I love the way Australians are so relaxed that an insult between mates is generally a cause for all to laugh. Everyone knows that witty remarks are designed to show off the wit of the joker and not a true reflection of their opinions – even when they’re laughing at themselves.
Today, when one of my colleagues was telling us that he was leaving his job because his girlfriend could only find work in another city, another colleague responded his city would always come before any woman. A third colleague shouted out, ‘and that’s why you’re still single.’
After enjoying the laugh with the others, I agreed with the first’s principles, saying that I followed Marie to Bhutan. The comment quickly came back, ‘you can’t take a hint, can you.’ And I love that I could laugh.