This podcast discusses how we use opposite words when communicating with others and how body language reveals our true emotions, even when we speak the opposite.
Play allows us to explore social rules and boundaries, including pretending to violate them, and has been observed in many animals, who engage in play fighting or chasing to practice real-life skills without actually doing harm.
Humor allows us to explore which rules and social boundaries are important through laughter and probing, but there is also a risk of crossing the line and breaking the safe space. Laughter can be a tool for enforcing social norms but it can also be a source of tension.
The decision to reveal one's vulnerability comes from a place of strength, while appearing invincible is often a sign of weakness.