What is fun? Some members of the hiking/climbing community recently identified two different kinds of fun: the regular kind that you enjoy while you are doing it and the “Type II” sort, like camping in the snow, that can be miserable at the time but, afterwards (once your memory softens the aggravations), you realize it was really a lot of fun. Those of us who neither hike nor climb also have our kinds of fun.
Genuine fun. Like the outdoor enthusiasts, we know a good time when we are having it.
Productive fun. The project was hard but it feels so good to have done it. Similar to their Type II, but usually warmer, dryer and closer to home.
Honeymoon fun. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it with that special him or her. Grocery shopping is suddenly so much fun.
Expensive fun. The really good time that was great right up until the bill arrived.
Regretted fun. The best time you ever had … until the next day when you realize what you did (or who you did it with).
Social obligation or bad date fun. The experience that would have been great if only you could have had it with someone else.
Disappointing fun. It sounded great but what a dud now that we’re here.
Someone else’s fun fun. Accompanying someone else on his kind of fun. This may happen on a date, like when the guy invites you to go kite flying and all you get to do is watch (still bitter after all these years).
Required fun. The office holiday party or the company picnic. Using your lunch hour to celebrate a coworker’s birthday, whether you like them or not.
Family sacrifice fun. The amusement park (or the children’s concert ) isn’t really your speed but taking the kids makes you feel like a good parent.
Good family fun. The amusement park (or the children’s concert) really was fun.
Apprehensive fun. The party may be fun but maybe it won’t be and maybe you should stay home instead but you can’t really because someone’s feelings will be hurt and they may not invite you to another party — why does fun got to be so hard?
Social fun. Lucky you. You’ve got great friends
About:
Wendy Freborg is a retired social worker and former editor whose humor has appeared in American Bystander, Little Old Lady Comedy, and Defenestration. Her poetry (mostly less funny) has been published by Rat’s Ass Review, Right Hand Pointing, The Orchards Poetry Journal, and WestWard Quarterly. Her life includes a small family, enough friends and too many doctors.
Original Photography by Sayefotograf via Pexels
