Good Grief

Looking for a bridge over troubled water? Krithvi Shyam, our young psychologist, addresses your worst anxieties.

March 05, 2014 05:06 pm | Updated May 19, 2016 06:27 am IST - chennai:

I have a problem. I laugh for no reason. I smile suddenly while talking to people. I am unable to overcome this habit. People think I am not serious enough. They get hurt for I smile/laugh even when they share some serious matters. I cannot control at that time but I feel disturbed later for laughing without any reason. This habit prevents me from taking initiatives. Kindly provide tips. – SMILING ALL THE WAY

It’s a good thing you’ve realised that you have this habit; now you have a chance to do something about it! Laughing and smiling during serious moments can result in potentially awkward feelings both for yourself and those around you. So start training yourself to get out of the habit. Ask your friends and your family (those who know you have this problem) to tell you (or better yet, to pinch your arm!) every time you react inappropriately to a situation. This way, whenever they make you aware of your behaviour, you can use the opportunity to modify it. Try to bring your laughter under further control by focusing on talking or asking questions; if you stay silent, you might be more easily distracted. Good luck!

Relationships, office politics, peer pressure, teacher trouble... mail your questions to nxg.nextgen@gmail.com. Mark "Good Grief" in the subject line.

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