Where is the humor?

 As far as we have been through the book in my Interpersonal Communications class I have not seen much activity that speaks about laughter.  I have not associated my tactics to many if any described in the book.  Let me explain.  Today my good friend who is older received a call from the bank while I was there informing him that he needs to pay them $2300.  This is a loan to pay a doctor that misdiagnosed my friend that would have saved his life.  Using humor not to deal divert from the situation but laugh at it instead.  Rather than yelling he laughed at what I had to say about it, calling them names like "paper pushing pimps".  Using it in context,  "It is amazing how these paper pushing pimps are allowed to balloon rates as they sit fit".  Not diverting but making a point as well as making him laugh.  I believe that in nearly every situation there can be humor found in it.  It must be intelligently identified and exploited appropriately.  This in turn got his brain thinking and he came up with productive and comical remarks as to his plan of action.  Using humor in this instance is far more effective than stressing out an older man that will stem on negative thoughts.  As far as his interaction with others throughout the day I can not be certain, but I can make sure he has comical remarks so that he can laugh about it a little.  By leading the conversation with his topic I was able direct his return comments.  A useful strategy to cope with initial shock of trauma and can be useful throughout this entire ordeal.  Personally I would much rather laugh than stress and this is far easier for me to do with others than it is myself.  I must be able to identify "the line" by using my judgement and remark without crossing it.  I have become extremely good (given I know the person) at exercising humor to cope with issues.  This does not alleviate the stress but it can ease tension.