A lot of us lose life’s tough battles by starting a frontal（正面的) attack — when a touch of humor might well enable us to win. Consider the case of a young friend of mine, who
36 a traffic jam on his way to work shortly 37 receiving an ultimatum（最后通牒) about being late for work. Although there was a good reason for Sam’s being late — serious illness at home — he decided that this by-now-familiar excuse wouldn’t 38 any longer. His supervisor（主管) was probably already pacing up and down preparing a dismissal
39 .
Yes, the boss was. When Sam entered the office at 9:35, it was as 40 as a locker room（更衣室)— everyone was hard at work. Sam’s supervisor 41 him. Suddenly, Sam forced a grin （露齿笑) and 42 out his hand. “How do you do!” he said. “I’m Sam Maynard. I’m 43 a job, which, I understand, became available just 35 minutes ago. Does the early bird get the worm？”
The room burst into 44 . The supervisor clamped off（忍住) a smile and walked back to his office. Sam Maynard had 45 his job — with the only tool that could win, a laugh.
Humor is a most effective, yet 46 ignored, means of handling the difficult situations in our lives. It can be used for patching up differences, apologizing, saying “no”, criticizing, getting the other fellow to do what you want 47 his losing face. For some jobs, it’s the only tool that can succeed. It is a way to discuss subjects so sensitive that serious dialogue may start a quarrel.
