Why Inside Jokes Make Friendships Better
Seven. Red Wall. Pizzafied. Bean Butt. Cherry flavor. Stalker.
Do any of those make sense to you? Probably not. Without context, those words are just random. They mean nothing.
I asked my roommates to send me their favorite inside jokes and recieved those words and phrases. I’m not sure what they mean or where they came from but they hold a unique meaning to my friends. Inside jokes are like secrets– they’re intimate and special.
Humor is a language, and we all speak different dialects. Some people get your jokes, some people don’t. Camaraderie is born through shared experiences and stories. We make jokes out of our lives and it keeps us close.
That being said, not all jokes are created equal. Inside jokes are the pinnacle of humor. The intimacy of an inside joke, only understood by those who are “in” on it, is a beautiful thing. They are a symbol of closeness.
Long-lasting friendships are built on years of going through life side-by-side. After so many years, we’ve all seen our friends in good and bad places. Eventually, we reflect back with a softer gaze and things become less sensitive. Inside jokes are born out of memorable moments; they help us recall what has been, and will always be funny.
Whether or not these friendships last, the inside jokes stick with us. As kids, we were discovering a new world and navigating new relationships. Making jokes is how you learn to communicate and connect. I can still recall inside jokes from childhood, ranging from ridiculous nicknames and messing with teachers and playing pretend. Having those laughable moments to look back on makes the world more comfortable to live in. Even the dumbest inside jokes were hilarious; the less sense they made the more funny they were. We made things funny.
Inside jokes are the best because they’re inconspicuous. A hand signal, a keyword, or even a special phrase can convey so much to someone else who is in the know. What matters is that these jokes foster a connection between you and another. It is a simple, yet joyful way to maintain our bonds with others. Mutuality is sacred; a common ground where two people share something unique.
You probably do not remember all the inside jokes you’ve made. They come in waves, bringing you right back to the root of their creation. They remind me of people I used to know, weird situations I’ve been in, and hilarious misunderstandings. Regardless of how many inside jokes you can recall on hand, these jokes have shaped you to the person you are today. They’ve shaped your personal humor, your friendships, and your day-to-day language,
As we grow older we tend to drift apart. It's human. It’s important to hold onto your inside jokes– they’re tokens of love and humor, some of the most fulfilling emotions that we experience in friendship. Silly moments make life more bearable. Being able to laugh is key, and sharing it with a few people who also know what you’re referencing is so special.