Tension breaking laughter

A group of college friends are sitting in the common room on plush bean bags.

The conversation is nice and jovial. Everyone is having a good time.

Then Dirk throws out a risque joke at Harry’s expense.

Immediately the air becomes thick with tension. Everyone turns to scrutinize Harry’s reaction.

But Harry’s face is completely expressionless.

All of a sudden the soft bean bags have become uncomfortable as the lads begin to shift in their seats.

The ball is in Harry’s court and his continued silence is making the situation unbearable.

The onlookers are dying for a change in conversation as the tension is growing exponentially in front of their eyes.

The longer the silence, the more tension and the higher the likelihood someone is going to cave.

Finally Ultan can’t take it any more and laughs just to break the silence, everyone else joins in too.

Dave swoops in and moves the conversation swiftly on.

If you are a fan of risque jokes it could be worth taking the time to distinguish between genuine laughter and tension breaking laughter.