Self-deprecating jokes are a common form of humor that can have different effects on different people. Some use them as a tool to test the waters of opinion, to see how others react to their flaws and insecurities. Others use them as a way of fishing for compliments, to elicit positive feedback and validation from others. But what happens when someone else makes a self-deprecating joke? How should you respond? Should you laugh along, or offer reassurance? In this article, you will learn how to be careful around others’ self-deprecating jokes, and how they can affect people with low self-esteem, low confidence, and negative beliefs about themselves. You will also discover how to avoid laughing at others’ expense, and how to help them feel better about themselves.