How to take yourself less seriously

Common, seriously! Don't kid yourself! This joke was on me! 😊

Unfortunately, the article does not explain the difference between self-deprecating humor and self-flagellation. I suppose, an elite university like Harvard assumes you already know.

"There are many categories of humor. Self-deprecating humor is its own category. ...

[the author of the article] use laughter and humor when treating people struggling with depression and anxiety. Self-deprecating humor can be useful in a clinical setting. ...

it is taking yourself, or the situation that you’re in, less seriously. People who tend to use self-deprecating humor effectively are quite humble and self-aware. These are people who see themselves for who they are, for better or worse, and they have come to accept that. ...

It’s interesting to note that self-deprecating humor tends to be more common in individualistic cultures, while collective cultures often make fun of others. Western cultures put more emphasis on relatability and approachability; being able to have people relate to you by signaling flaws and vulnerabilities sends the message that everybody has struggles and we are all in this together. Cultures that are more collective tend to poke fun at one another because there’s a different sense of community. ..."

How to take yourself less seriously — Harvard Gazette "Clinical psychologist draws line between self-deprecating humor (with its health, social benefits) and self-flagellatio."