How do I lighten up?

Question

I have been told that I am too serious, that I need to lighten up. Can you give me any suggestions? (besides having sex)

Answer 1

being serious is NOT exactly a bad thing-- unless you mean that you can't laugh. if you can laugh at jokes, anything comedy, or anything funny, i dont think there's anything wrong with you. in which case, i wont change a thing because it makes you YOU.

i have a sister who is serious in a real nice way. she defines the word "lady" to me-- so gentle in her ways (even her laughter sounds so feminine unlike mine). im the rowdy one in the family, the joker, the clown; while she is everyone's princess.

we have a mutual admiration club. she wants to lighten up, i want to be more serious. her stance commands respect; mine commands an easy smile. anyone who looks at my sister just looks-- with quiet admiration because she's pretty but quiet-- and yes, serious. anyone who looks at me feels like saying "heya!" walks up to me with a smile, because my countenance looks like i'd greet back.

despite being nice, people thinks she's not friendly-- but she's a great friend to those who dared get to know her. i have tons of friends-- but i get abused easily-- and no one takes me seriously. we're not changing places, though-- because how we are made us WHO we are.

if you're comfortable with yourself, there's no need to change in order to please others. but if you really think you need to lighten up, just find reasons to laugh-- Adam Sandler comedies are great. joke books abound. just dont force yourself to be the person that you are not.

God bless!

Answer 2

First of all: do you want to become less serious? It takes all kind of people to make this world go round you know. The serious as much as the lighthearted. And then, if you want to "lighten up", maybe you worry about your genius kids or your husband or maybe, just maybe, you feel like you have to be the one that is serious because you feel like your husband isn't serious enough. That would make you the responsible one and if you have too much responsibilities on your own, you tend to get too serious. So maybe if you look for someone to share the responsibilities with, you can "lighten up"a little. But, I repeat: it takes every kind of people so don't just assume that you being serious is a bad thing.

Answer 3

Diet and exercise! I know your serious. As much as I was joking, I am also serious. Diet and exercise can have a significant impact on our mood and self esteem. I honestly don't know much about the diet end of this deal but it is widely known that moderate daily exercise for just 30 minutes a day can greatly improve your outlook as well as your physical health. Try taking a brisk walk every other day. Maybe some weights on the other days exercises. Always stretch well before any workout routine.
You can use almost anything as weights, can goods, a bag of cat or dog food, bottled water and so no make good weight resistance for your routine.

If after 3 or 4 months of this you find little or no improvement you may want to discuss the issue with your family doctor and see what he/she has to say. It can't hurt.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Terry

Answer 4

Sounds like you allready have a sense of humor you just need to try to let it loose more often. If it really concerns you try keeping a blog or journal where every entry is a joke or humorous observation. Watch more comedy movies for inspiration on how to integrate levity into your conversations more comfortably. If people don't get your sense of humor don't give up, just making the effort to be funny is better than allways being serious.

Answer 5

First of all you have to learn to laugh at yourself.
Life is too short to be serious all the time.
Learn to relax, find a hobby you enjoy, take walks and really look at nature. Learn a new joke every week.
When you are faced with any situation, take a deep breath and ask yourself if it will really matter a week, a month, a year from now.

Answer 6

Watch some Monty Python comedy sketches. You can probably find some at the local video rental place. They are utterly silly and 'madcap' while being classics and actually an important part of American humor history despite being British. 'Flying Circus' was their sketch show, 'Life of Brian' is satirical about religion, 'Quest for the Holy Grail' satires the Arthurian legends, and 'Meaning of Life' is about philosophy if anything. These are good for educating yourself, and maybe your kids, on nonsense. Be advised that there is Adult material within the humor.

Answer 7

Try to smile more often. When someone does something you disagree with, smile. Do this EVERY time for at least one week just to give yourself an idea what things are okay to treat so seriously and what you can lighten up for. Peace.

Answer 8

Life is too short to always be so serious. Don't think of everything as a problem, but an oportunity. Are your children telling you this?...LOL My teen tells me that too. It's hard, but you get the hang of it. Just don't look at life so seriously. Think of what made you happy earlier in life or childhood. Try not to carry too many responsisbilities. Life is unexpected. Being happy is not a goal it is a feeling. Don't wait.

Answer 9

I think you shouldn't listen to peoples opinions of you and take it too seriously.If more than 3 people tell you the same thing then it's probably tru.Odinarily i think you should do something out of the ordinary.Something you have never done or even thought of doing.Right now.....If you get away with it you'll find urself smiling, if you don't at least you'll be a hero.

Answer 10

Maybe the people who tell you to "lighten up" need to be a little bit more "serious"......I would rather have a conversation with a serious intelligent introvert than a vacuous extrovert.