It helps morale, and makes stress easier to deal with, and can build solidarity. Several years ago, in a situation where me and 131 other people were waiting for our imminent deaths, and were powerless to do anything about it, some people were freaking out, some sat in silence, and others of us joked and laughed about the situation.

I was one of the laughers/jokers. When the situation changed, giving us hope of survival, that’s where I got worried and silent. Obviously, we survived (I’m thumbing this missive out on my phone). I’ve been married over 20 years, have a couple kids.