Livin' Out Loud

"Liz, you always amaze me when you laugh...it's so loud!" she said, mimicking clutching her ear as when she hears me laugh, "I could hear you way out in the parking lot!"

*sigh*

All my life people have jabbed me for my laugh. I admit, it is carefree and loud, especially if whatever made me laugh is particularly funny to me. I like to laugh, and do it with abandon. Why not?

When I was much younger, in school, teachers would make mention of it. My first grade teacher called me 'Giggles' as a nickname; apparently she found a way to address my laughing in a more constructive manner than complaining. It's not that I laugh at everything by any means. I know people that laugh out of nervousness or just being plain silly, but that's not the case with me.

I definitely attract attention when I laugh, and whoever I'm with typically is laughing, loudly I might add, with me. People not in on the conversation typically will call out, "hey, keep it down over there!" in a joking manner, but I always think they are saying something else, "hey, I'm not a part of the fun, so quit having a good time without me!"

I had a best girlfriend when I was young, Cindy Moser. We laughed together...a lot. And, I have to say and I think my parents would agree, that her laugh was definitely louder than mind. However, when we would get to laughing, it was loud. Not only was it loud, but it was fun, freeing and healthy.

Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use. (web source)

So, if this is true, why are people so against it? Well, perhaps they are not against it really, perhaps just those of us that are loud.

I always feel rather judged when comments are made about my laughing. And, unfortunately, I will never get used to those types of comments, nor will I 'just get over it'. I care about what people think about me and my behavior... I know, shocking.

So, thanks to that smiling person that reminded me that I'm loud yesterday. I already knew. In my defense, the door was open and muted conversation could be heard from the parking lot, as well as laughter...and not just mine. And, even though I feel like you were judging me publicly, I'll try not to hold it against you.