Humor As A Defense Mechanism -- Why?

[lizbud]

Definitely, not a bad thing at all.. it is something I'm definitely not used to, because I grew up in a family where feelings/words are always expressed every day/every night, no matter where we are, it's shown through words. No hiding, and we don't use humor in our feelings in the family...So that could be it?

That's probably why you don't understand the habit. My family, all of
us, have always used humor to ease uncomfortable family situations.

Why tear yourself up being so serious about some things you can't change?
I think because of my family's humor, we've managed to overcome a lot of
obstacles in life. Sort of a "laugh to keep from crying" sort of thing.