People who truly care about you value your laughter and joy. Whenever a woman speaks up and expresses herself, it's surprising how some people react negatively.
If there's a man in your life who dislikes your laughter or wants to be the only one sharing funny stories, you’re settling for a role where you're just an audience member, a backup singer, a cheerleader, and a spectator for life.
True love embraces shared laughter, joyful noise, and moments of peace just as much as it does hugs.
This was made clear by the reaction to Kamala Harris’ laughter, which triggered criticism from those with anti feminist views. While much of the backlash against Harris' confident presence is often a misguided outcry about how traditional power structures are shifting due to women's and minorities' rights, it is still striking to see the strong reactions from some men and women when someone stands up for their rights and community.
It seems there is an expectation for women to be quiet and let men have their way until they need something from us. If a woman is bold enough to share her opinions, she might be dismissed, manipulated, confined, or silenced.
Consider the term "laugh": it refers to both a practical joke and a method of silencing someone. It can also describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by something you can’t tolerate any longer.
When humor is used to silence someone, to make them feel unworthy of speaking, or to make them feel excluded, that’s a form of suppression.
A woman’s laughter, like Kamala Harris' laughter, represents the sound of liberation.
Laughter is a sign of freedom, strength, and self-control. It is not the awkward giggle of a nervous girl or the forced smile of a comedian.
A person who is truly laughing is at the top of their world, embracing it fully and sharing their happiness with it.
This is why a laughing woman is seen as dangerous across cultures and history. She is powerful because she is not seeking approval; she is content with herself.
A woman who demands change because she is ready to be the agent of that change challenges the status quo. If she is brave enough to do this, what else might she dare to do?
Will she dare to say "no" when asked to do something she doesn't want to do? Will she say "yes" to opportunities that might require her to defy expectations? Will she make her own decisions, accepting both success and failure without apology?
Mark Twain said, "Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand." When a woman’s laughter echoes, it challenges those who can't handle a confident woman. Most of us should keep talking, finding humor, and expressing ourselves without regret.
Someone who will share in your joy? That person is a true supporter.