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I consider myself a ‘grumpy spoilsport’ because I genuinely dislike pranks and teasing. While many people refer to these actions as “lighthearted fun” or “practical jokes,” I see them as forms of antagonism, and at times, emotional abuse. I’ve often been labeled as “too sensitive” or “uptight,” with remarks urging me to “relax” or “lighten up.” However, I stand firm in my belief that pranks that rely on making someone feel deeply upset are simply not funny.
From Ashton Kutcher’s early 2000s MTV series “Punk’d” to elaborate April Fools’ jokes and prank phone calls that sometimes air on the radio, I find all of these activities unamusing. I recall being a teenager, sitting in my mom’s car while listening to a DJ prank a man by pretending to be a doctor delivering shocking news about his wife. The man, who had undergone a vasectomy, was made to believe his wife had cheated on him. These scenarios often escalated to the point where the victim was left enraged, sometimes even crying.
Every time I heard these pranks, I could feel my heart race in sympathy for the individual being targeted. I wondered if I was the only one who found no humor in these situations. Even when the prank was intended to teach a lesson—like the man’s jealousy of his wife—I still felt terrible for him. Sure, he might laugh in relief once the prank was revealed, but often, he just hung up, visibly upset after being tricked.
I wasn’t a fan of “Punk’d” for the same reasons. Although I don’t mind some lighthearted April Fools’ gags, I strongly disapprove of those that hinge on someone’s humiliation or distress.
I also dislike casual teasing where someone tries to convince another person that something terrible has happened, only to reveal it was a joke after pushing them to the brink of panic. “Your pet is missing!” or “Your child failed all their classes!” followed by “Just kidding!”—none of this seems funny to me. I can’t understand why making someone feel embarrassed or upset would ever be considered entertaining.
Even though I have been labeled as “no fun” because I refuse to engage in making others uncomfortable, I don’t see myself as a spoilsport. My partner playfully teases me, and I never take it to heart. My children and I might attempt a harmless joke here and there, but we always ensure it doesn’t cross the line into genuine distress. For instance, when my son was anxiously awaiting his final grades, I joked about him getting a B before quickly clarifying it was a joke, showing him how proud I was of his efforts.
We all understand the distinction between playful teasing and mean-spirited jabs, knowing when to back off. I recognize that some social circles have an unspoken agreement about pranks, where everyone is on board and finds it entertaining. That’s perfectly fine—if it’s consensual, prank away.
However, if you try to prank me knowing I dislike them, it will not end well for either of us. Making someone feel bad for your amusement is simply wrong. If that makes me an uptight stick-in-the-mud, go ahead and label me. Just don’t expect me to want to maintain a relationship with you afterwards.
Summary
In this article, the author expresses their strong aversion to pranks and teasing, viewing them as forms of emotional manipulation rather than harmless fun. They share personal anecdotes to illustrate their feelings and emphasize the importance of consent and empathy in social interactions. While acknowledging that some people enjoy playful teasing within certain boundaries, they assert that making someone uncomfortable for laughter is unacceptable.