I have the world's biggest humiliation squick as well--I've had to pause Being Erica several times in the last few days and leave the room for a while before I can handle it again. That definitely plays into the humor thing, because I sincerely hate watching people be humiliated. I also hate watching people be uncomfortable. I need to overcome that, I think.

Yeah, I know what you mean. A few people who are close to me think I'm hilarious and are always laughing at me--but most people I know would definitely not rate humor very high on my list of qualities.

But you definitely pull it off in your writing. There's a glee behind your humor as well, and it's never got a hint of cruelty or condescension or bitterness like some comedy does.

And humor is irreverance that almost appears to belie its sincerity, but it's actually a way to show the truth of who funny people relate. I think you're right. That kind of irreverence is difficult for me. I take the world very seriously, I think, because I feel very, very deeply, so even joy is something to be taken seriously, I guess? I need to think about this more. It's nothing I'd really considered before, but it's awesome that you're pointing it out. You often point out things in my writing that I don't notice, and it's such a wonderful gift you have.

So maybe that's key the key. Character humor like Community. Definitely. I know that's the reason that show speaks to me as much as it does. That and the clear affection the writers have for their characters.