The Laughing Season [9.13.08]

When it comes to compassion, the majority of society professes to possess it in many if not all situations. However, the leftover fraction of humanity knows better than to place a sympathetic blanket statement over mankind. Do not misunderstand me: I am not a mass of compassion-less bones waiting for someone to go hungry or face persecution, for that would the simplest form of callousness. I do, however, find the utmost enjoyment in others' minor misadventures. This includes minor injuries, socially unacceptable quirks, and infirmities. Of all the petty debacles, menopause is a top contender on the list. I learned this throughout the weekend by observing my mother and her friends. Sure I feel for them, but I also feel like cackling out loud when my mother sticks her head in the freezer, or when she asks if I am uncomfortably hot and I sassily chirp back with a resounding "No." Despite the fact that I will unmistakably face the same curse, I find myself snickering through night sweats and temperamental moods. Of course they do not appreciate my lack of sensitivity, so they often resort to shaming me with the lone blackmail feasible to them - the future: "You go ahead and laugh, little girl, just wait until you're our age. You won't be laughing then!" Obviously they speak the truth, for it is only a matter of time before I am in the same rotten boat as they are. However, I assume the role of devil's advocate, and fire back a cheeky response: Do they remember laughing at someone when they were my age? Were they always as reverent and seasoned as they are now? When someone tripped over nothing, would they laugh? Or would they inquire as to what invisible hole introduced the snag? When it comes to life, what changes, if any, are laughable?