How and why does humor keep people at a distance?

Recently I was told that I use humor to keep people at a distance. I have absolutely no idea what that means. How does humor keep people at a distance in the first place? I always thought people were attracted to funny people. I'm a cartoonist, and basically write jokes as a career.



I always thought that the funny part of me was the most fun part of me... But, recently two seperate, intelligent people who I respect a great deal told me that I am too much when people first meet me, and that my humor actually pushes people away. Both suggested that this was a defense mechanism.



My question(s) isn't about whether I use comedy as a defense mechanism or not, but rather...



1) How and why does humor keep people at a distance?



2) Do funny people intimidate other people, or is it more about the level on which funny people interact with others, as opposed to more serious folk?



I really don't understand this concept at all... Can anyone shed a little light on this for me?



Thanks!How and why does humor keep people at a distance?
You do have a special talent. I believe it's the level in which funny people interact. If someone wants to have a deep and serious discussion and the other person does not meet them at this level, the person may get frustrated. As long as you can sincerely listen to people and not turn the interaction into humor, I don't think you are distancing yourself from people. People love to laugh but not at the expense of an emotional connection. Best Wishes for your future.How and why does humor keep people at a distance?
Lots of people just have no sense of humor. They may have been born without one, or they trained themselves. Either way, they may come off as mysterious or cool. Fun is fun. But when the joke's on someone, sometimes it's hard to know how to react, respond, and continue having a good time.

I try to remember that most jokes are good-natured attempts at being funny. Sometimes, we take the cheapest route to funny, and usually that takes the form of taking a shot at someone. If the shot's aimed at you, try to remember that person is just trying to be funny - it's probably about him more than about you.



Going with the flow of things is often the best way to deal with idiots. There are a lot of people who haven't really understood the finer points of real humor.

They find ';random'; things and insults funny, and so say ';random'; things and insult people without realizing that a random response is only funny in those circumstances where a remark is made that is totally unexpected, or that an insult is only funny if it isn't so pointed that it hurts someone. The best way to handle these people is to laugh along a little bit, and then find ways to adjust their attempts at humor.

Take care of yourself as always!