S2 E12: Easily Build Connection: The Creativity Inherently in “In Jokes”

Do you know what, “doing a Rebecca” means to my sisters? No? Well, if I told you then you’d have no need to listen to this shorty episode of I Dibs The Front Seat🚗

Yes, I’m back for another edition of talking to you from my car and this time I’m riffing on how a family or group connects through “in jokes” or shorthand phrases. People from the outside don’t necessarily understand them, let alone find them funny - they’re definitely, you had to be there, type situations.

I’m making the case that crafting these shared experiences into a bite sized catch phrases not only creates group cohesion but is creativity in action.

Give it a listen and then let me know what you think! xBec🤎

📝Key Takeaways

🤝 Shared Stories are Tiny Acts of CreativityInside jokes, shortened & repeated phrases, as well as quirky habits become emotional shorthand that strengthen connection and belonging within families, friend & work groups.

🧂 Meaning Lives in Shared ExperienceThings like “doing a Rebecca” or asking for “seven seconds” only make sense to the people inside the story and that’s exactly what makes them powerful.

💛 Creativity Isn’t Always Art, Sometimes it’s a Simple Way to ConnectThe little traditions, sayings, and running gags we create together weave individual moments into our collective memory.

🔗Links & Resources Mentioned

The benefits of hugging for seven (or 20) seconds.

* More hugging is associated with a lower cortisol awakening response (CAR) the next day: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10094596/#sec5-ijerph-20-05340

* From Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/keep-it-in-mind/202201/what-20-seconds-hugging-can-do-you

The benefits of inverting (always consult your medical provider for possible contraindications): https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT1807265.pdf

Cover photo by Viktor Talashuk on Unsplash