Using humor as a shield is something many of us do without even realizing it. While being funny can be great, it becomes complicated when it's your default way of handling every emotional situation.

Sometimes the things my mom says aren’t funny. She turned 93 last week and she’s feeling worn out in every way. “I’m tired. So tired,” she said recently. “I don’t want to be here anymore.” So, I ...

Life can sometimes feel a little too serious. And people can really double down on their stiffness when asked certain questions that — while interesting — can provoke uncomfortable memories from their ...