Have you ever been the target of a playful joke from a friend and questioned whether they were being cruel? A strong and wholesome friendship may be indicated by friendly roasting, it turns out.
Friends who playfully make fun of one another, according to psychologists, tend to have stronger ties based on trust and honesty. Pro-social teasing—the use of lighthearted comments without malicious intent—has been shown to strengthen bonds between friends. When our friends make fun of us, they are genuinely demonstrating that they know us well and are at ease enough to make jokes, according to author KJ Dell’Antonia.
Going one step further, Boston College psychology professor Peter Gray, Ph.D., claims that pleasant teasing serves as a social control mechanism. It promotes humility, controls egos, and eventually fortifies friendships. That is to say, your pals may not feel as close to you as you believe if they never make fun of you!
Naturally, there’s a thin line separating harmless banter from offensive comments. It’s never appropriate for playful taunting to be cruel or to violate boundaries that cause discomfort. Mutual understanding is essential; both people must acknowledge that the teasing is loving and not harmful.
Therefore, don’t take it personally the next time your best buddy criticizes you for your bad dancing skills or dubious wardrobe choices. Rather, interpret it as a sign that they respect your friendship and have enough faith in you to make jokes. After all, one of the best ways to maintain friendships is to laugh!
