How to Stop Laughing in Inappropriate Situations

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There are times when laughter is not called for. Because your charm may not be enough to save you, try some other ways to stop the laughter.

Step 1: Know what is inappropriate
Know when it is inappropriate to laugh. If you are unsure, ask your mother, or someone you can trust.

Step 2: Check others
Check out others in the room to see if they share your impulse. If they don't, divert your attention quickly by starting another conversation.

Step 3: Think of sad things
Think negative or sad thoughts to dampen your mood.

Tip
It's usually tension that precedes outbreaks of inappropriate laughter.

Step 4: Pinch yourself
Pinch yourself or bite the inside of your mouth or your lip to contain yourself. Physical pain can quell laughter.

Step 5: Disguise your reaction
Disguise your reaction by faking a coughing fit, using your hand to cover your grin. This allows you to leave the room and compose yourself.

Step 6: Let out air
Clamp a hand over your mouth and exhale quickly to rob the laugh of fuel. If caught, apologize without trying to explain, which may add insult to injury.

Tip
A laugh can appear to be a crying fit if you are at a funeral or in a sad situation, but it will take good acting.

Step 7: Grit to avoid
Grit your teeth while pushing your tongue against your pallet. If you have to release it, do it without a smile so people aren't sure what you're responding to.

Did You Know?
Did you know? Pathologic laughing or crying can result from severe brain injury.