Allowing yourself to be the subject of a joke every now and then can show that you don’t take things too seriously. Allowing yourself to become the brunt of jokes regularly can show you don’t take things seriously enough.

Every time you allow someone to disrespect you — even if it’s “just a joke” — you give them permission to do it again.

If you want respect, it’s important to set boundaries.

Friendly ribbing between genuine friends can be a sign of trust and affection, but being frequently showcased as a joke to an audience — particularly people who don’t know you

that well — is something else.

When is enough enough? When people are laughing and you’re not one of them.