Good humor may be said to be one of the very best articles of dress one
can wear in society. William
Makepeace Thackeray
It is no secret that I love to laugh. I love old comedies--nothing will ever top I LOVE LUCY. I also love to laugh at myself. (Usually.)
But I wonder if laughter is what Thackeray was talking about. Perhaps by "good humor" he referred to the refusal to allow one's self to become angry or resentful at another. In donning good humor, one puts on the garb of kindness, patience, and forgiveness. I am, too frequently, short in all three of these qualities.
Am I showing good humor if a driver cuts me off in traffic and I mutter under mybreath at him? Probably not. Am I showing good humor when I allow my feelings to be hurt by a slight or an unkind remark? Again, probably not.
This I know for sure: good humor should be an essential part of the outfit in any "best dressed" list.
I agree with you on this. Good humor is very important.
ReplyDeleteYou're never fully dressed without a smile, I was told. Then I learned the difference between a real smile and a fake or forced smile. Good humor is the difference.
ReplyDelete