How To Be a Fun-to-be-with Personality Even If You’re Not Naturally Funny
I used to be the kind of person you’d avoid during break time. Not because I was mean or rude. I was just… dry. Like unsalted popcorn. 🍿
I was serious. Too serious. The kind of serious that makes people wonder if you’re carrying the weight of the world or just haven’t laughed since 2005.
But something changed.
Nope, I didn’t go for a comedy masterclass or anything fancy. I just learned how to loosen up and let the fun flow naturally. And now, people say things like, “You’re so fun to be around!” and I smile like, “If only you knew.”
So if you’re like how I used to be, buckle up. Let’s talk about how you can be that fun-to-be-with person, even if you’re not naturally funny. Spoiler alert: You don’t need to be a clown to be fun. 😄
Why bother being funny or fun?
First off, let’s address the big WHY. Why should anyone even try to be funny?
Simple. People are drawn to laughter like moths to light.
We all want to feel good, to escape stress, to just… vibe. And when someone can make us laugh or even just smile, they become a magnet. Especially in this era of stress, anxiety, and awkward silences.
You ever notice how people say, “I love being around him, he cracks me up,” or “She’s so light-hearted, I feel at ease around her”?
Exactly. That’s what we’re going for.
Is it natural or can I learn it?
Some people are born with it. They walk into a room and boom, everyone’s laughing.
But most of us? Nah. We need to learn the art.
The good news is, it’s learnable. Like making pasta without burning it. Or finally figuring out Excel formulas. 😂
It’s not about changing who you are. It’s about discovering the funny, light, relaxed version of yourself that’s been hiding under all that overthinking.
I used to think I was boring for life. But turns out, I just needed a spark. A trigger. And a few funny friends.
Can introverts be funny?
Heck yes!
Being funny isn’t about being loud. You can be quiet, reserved, even shy, and still have killer humor.
Some of the funniest people I know are introverts. Their jokes are subtle, dry, witty. The kind that hits you five seconds later and you burst out laughing in the middle of nowhere.
So, introverts, this is your permission slip. Go forth and make people laugh your own way.
Now, how do you become that fun-to-be-with person?
Let’s break it down like your favorite playlist:
1. Don’t be too serious
I get it. Life is tough. Jobs, bills, responsibilities.
But being serious 24/7 isn’t cute. Or healthy.
I used to smile, but that was it. No one laughed because of me. I was just… present.
Now? I say random silly stuff, crack a joke about myself, and suddenly I’m not just present. I’m memorable.
So loosen up. Play. Tease. Be goofy sometimes. Laugh at memes. Send that weird TikTok. Life’s not that deep.
2. Stop thinking “I can’t be funny”
That mindset is holding you back more than anything.
You tell yourself, “That’s not me,” and guess what? You become not funny.
But change that to, “I can learn,” and boom. The door opens.
I once thought being funny was only for the confident, loud folks. But now? I’m funny my way. Softly. Calmly. Sneakily.
And that works.
3. Study your environment
Humor isn’t one-size-fits-all.
What’s funny in one group might flop in another. Or worse, offend someone. 😬
So read the room. Get to know your audience. Friends, coworkers, family – everyone’s got a different vibe.
A joke about politics might fly with one group and cause a riot in another.
Observe. Adapt. Blend your humor to fit the vibe.
4. Listen like a detective
Funny people are great listeners. They don’t just wait to talk. They catch the little details.
Then they flip those details into witty comebacks, unexpected twists, or hilarious observations.
When you listen well, you get people. And when you get people, you say things that make them laugh and feel seen.
That’s golden.
5. Make fun of yourself (gently!)
This one’s powerful.
There’s something charming about someone who laughs at their own clumsiness, their awkward moment, their morning hair.
It makes you relatable. Human. Not a robot who’s trying too hard.
One time, I tripped over absolutely nothing in front of a crowd. I stood up, bowed dramatically, and said, “Thank you, gravity!” Everyone laughed. Including me.
Don’t be scared of embarrassing moments. They’re storytelling gold.
6. Read funny stuff
Seriously. If you want to sound funny, expose yourself to funny things.
Books. Sitcoms. Tweets. Funny blogs. Dialogues in smart rom-coms.
As a writer, I live for novels with witty banter. It sharpens your brain. Makes your responses snappier.
You’ll start seeing the world through a humorous lens. Even the annoying things become comedy material.
7. Think funny
Before you speak, post, or even react – pause.
Ask yourself, “How can I say this in a funny way?”
It’s a creative muscle. The more you use it, the better it gets.
You start seeing everyday stuff like a sitcom writer.
Example: You’re late and your friend asks why. Instead of saying, “Traffic,” say, “My bed and I had a toxic attachment issue this morning.”
Boom. Funny.
8. Hang out with funny people
Your circle shapes you.
When I started spending time with my super goofy best friend, I loosened up big time. Her carefree vibe rubbed off on me.
We’d do silly stuff, laugh over dumb memes, send voice notes with fake accents. Over time, I went from “meh” to “heyyy she’s actually hilarious!”
You don’t have to copy anyone. Just let their energy inspire you.
Even if you’re oceans apart, stay connected. Humor travels through voice notes and emojis. 😜
9. Stop being so self-conscious
Being overly self-aware is the ultimate fun-killer.
You overthink. You second-guess. You stay silent.
But when you relax and just speak your mind, your real personality shines through.
You’ll make mistakes. You might flop a joke. So what? That’s part of the charm.
People love authenticity. Not perfection.
So let your quirks out. Stumble. Giggle. Be real.
Even social media can help. Post your thoughts. Comment on stuff. Make jokes. You’ll discover your rhythm.
Funny isn’t loud. It’s genuine.
10. Practice like a hobby
You’re not gonna wake up tomorrow as the next Kevin Hart. And that’s okay.
Humor, like anything, improves with practice.
Try light banter with your friend. Drop a joke in a group chat. Share a funny memory. Watch people’s reactions.
You’ll get better. Smoother. Funnier.
And you’ll do it without trying too hard.
Nothing’s more awkward than someone who’s trying to be funny and failing. So don’t force it.
Be subtle. Be yourself.
Some people will vibe with you. Some won’t. That’s life.
Even top comedians don’t get laughs from every crowd.
So keep going. Improve. Evolve. But stay true.
In summary:
- Don’t be too serious
- Don’t tell yourself you’re not funny
- Know your audience
- Listen like you care
- Laugh at yourself
- Read or watch funny stuff
- Think funny
- Be around funny people
- Chill with the overthinking
- Practice, don’t pressure yourself
Being funny isn’t about cracking jokes nonstop. It’s about being a light presence. Someone people feel relaxed and happy around.
So go ahead. Tap into your fun side.
Even if you’re not naturally funny, you can still be the person people love being around.
You’ve got this. And hey, if all else fails, just send them cat videos. Works every time. 😸