Not taken seriously

[Faolan]

People know me for my sense of humor and joyful personality, but I don't always feel like that on the inside. Because of how people view me, a cute, friendly guy, I'm not often taken seriously. Whenever I've tried to say something serious and come out, it turns awkward really fast and I have to start all the way over.

[ReginaGeorge]

I had a similar experience to you, but on a lesser scale. At the time, I was very sarcastic and funny, rarely shared my actual feelings and that worked great for me. My group of friends and I had this on-going joke that I was a lesbian and even told people I was one when they asked (I thought I was straight at the time, this was all in good fun). Over time, I actually found I kinda was attracted to women and when the time came for me to tell them, I whispered in my friends ear "I'm gay", and she laughed and said "I know", referring back to the joke.. I was kinda like "...I'm serious" and she then took me seriously.

I think you really need to just try and stand your ground and say to your friends that you're serious, or that you have something important to share, or something along those lines. Try to get it in at a good time, so maybe not just after fart jokes, the timing is important. Say it so they hear, and when they try to shrug it off or laugh, Stand, Your, Ground. Tell them it's for real this time. You're not kidding, and you want them to take it seriously. If they still don't take you seriously, whether you are or not, act upset or angry, make it known that you aren't happy with them. Do whatever you can to portray distress, but avoid exaggerating too much or it could leave them not convinced.

I hope this helps somehow. Just keep at it. If they are really that thick, yell it at them. Good luck.

[Second Chance]

I agree with the advice above, and you should stand your ground when you are being serious. I'm not sure how you're like in real life, but if you are the class clown and are the one who is always making jokes, then there could be a chance that folks might automatically assume you are being silly. However, you have to let folks know that there are multiple parts to you and that you are not shallow and actually do care about stuff. If you let on that you are not joking around including not laughing or making a joke, then folks will pick up pretty quickly.

[Ryhanna]

I'm sorry, that must make it a lot harder to come out. It's great if people can take serious things like this lightly, but not so lightly that they think you're kidding.

Maybe establish that you're talking about something serious before you tell them. Look them in the eyes, don't laugh, don't smile. Serious face. Then tell them, and if they start laughing remind them that you're not kidding. Maybe even tell them that it hurts you that they can't take you seriously.

Hope things work out for you. :)

[Faolan]

I'm really shy about stuff like this, though. I probably should have mentioned that before. I did change my sexuality status on Facebook so that I'm interested in both men and women, but I don't feel like I could ever talk face to face with most of my friends. I don't think it would be awkward for them, just for me.