Maybe you have a dad or mom who's like this:
- Always says, "It's nothing! Just smile — there's nothing a good laugh can't fix!"
- Turns serious conversations into jokes, like: "Stress? Please, you think you've got stress? Try living my life!"
- Just when you're about to talk seriously, they crack a silly face to lighten the mood
- You feel they care, but they never seem to speak from the heart
If you've ever thought,
"Why do my parents always joke around but never open up?"
Chances are, they're classic Eaggie McPlant-type parents — funny, warm, and always deflecting with humor.
🍆 What they're like:
They're outgoing and friendly, but not good at sharing their own emotions.
Eaggie-type parents are usually:
- The mood-makers of the family — they hate seeing the house go quiet or heavy
- Used to handling stress with jokes, not emotional talk
- Deeply responsible, but afraid of being seen as weak or tired
- Truly care about you, but don't know how to say it — so they cover it with jokes
They're not avoiding you — they're using humor to protect the depth of their feelings.
💡 Inside, they might be thinking:
- "If I stay cheerful, the family will be okay."
- "Just because I don't say it doesn't mean I don't feel it — you probably wouldn't understand anyway."
- "Talking about my feelings feels awkward — joking is easier."
But secretly, they might also wonder:
- "Why didn't you ask me again?"
- "If I stop joking, would anyone still want to hear what I have to say?"
- "I wish someone could see that I'm not always okay."
How can I support them?
1. Don't tell them to 'stop joking' — instead, catch the truth behind the laugh
👨: "Feeling stressed about school? Be like me — chill out! Don't be so uptight!"
🧑: "You made me laugh — but I'd really love to hear how you used to deal with stress. Teach me?"
➡️ Instead of turning the moment serious, respond with light curiosity. Let them know you welcome their honest side too.
2. Let them know: even if they're not joking, you're still here
Say something like:
"You always use humor, but you don't have to. I still want to know how you really feel."
➡️ This gives them courage to try opening up — because you've promised the moment won't get awkward without the jokes.
3. Ask for stories — not interviews
Eaggie-type parents don't like being interrogated.
Instead of "How do you feel?" try:
"Do you remember a time when you were really down but still managed to laugh again?"
"Were you always the funny one when you were younger? Did anyone support you back then?"
➡️ Framing it as a story makes them feel much more at ease sharing emotions.
4. When they say even a little bit of truth — affirm it gently
👩: "What you just said… made me wonder if you're really okay."
👨: "Nahhh~ not really~ haha... but maybe a bit..."
🧑: "Thanks for saying that — even just a little. I really appreciate seeing that side of you."
➡️ No need to cry or be dramatic. Just calmly validating their honesty is already deeply comforting.
🍆 What Eaggie-type parents really want you to know:
- "It's not that I don't want to talk — I just don't know how."
- "It's not that I'm not serious — I'm just afraid no one wants to hear it if I am."
- "I don't just want to make people laugh — I want someone to hear me when I'm not joking too."
💬 Try saying to them:
- "I love your cheerful self — but I'd also love to get to know your quiet, sincere, even boring side.
- "You don't have to make me laugh. Just be you — I'll still be right here with you."