About this quote

Some people are so literal and tense they miss plain jokes. That deadpan indifference can sap a room and make your attempt to lighten things feel pointless. Notice where you or others shut down when someone tries to be playful. Try loosening one small rule today—say something silly in a meeting or at dinner and watch how people shift.

When to use it

• Work - During a budget meeting when my teammate didn't flinch at my joke: "Percy wouldn't notice a joke if it danced naked in front of him wearing one of Dobby's hats."
• Family - At Sunday dinner after Uncle Paul sat stone-faced through a funny story: "Honestly, Percy wouldn't notice a joke if it danced naked in front of him wearing one of Dobby's hats."
• Study group - After I cracked a joke about the deadline and Laura kept scribbling: "That's Laura—Percy wouldn't notice a joke if it danced naked in front of him wearing one of Dobby's hats."
• Sports - On the sidelines when the mascot did a silly bit and the coach didn't react: "Coach is impossible; Percy wouldn't notice a joke if it danced naked in front of him wearing one of Dobby's hats."