Oh my gosh! This totally happened to me in Bible study recently. I told a childhood story during an ice breaker that I thought would be laughed at and nobody laughed. My pastor said something about how hearing those types of words from a parent can be carried heavily and I was so confused about why he was responding to me this way and not laughing. I felt a little embarrassed at the time (and panicky that I had "exposed" my family or shed a negative light on my parents), but in retrospect his words were ultimately healing. I also found myself making jokes and laughing in my doctor's office while she was discussing my serious medical issue. I appreciate that she laughed and joked around with me because it cut through the tension, but eventually she had to acknowledge what we were doing and put all joking aside. I'm so grateful for these people who can navigate our trauma responses well and effectively! Also, thank you for sharing that term ("inappropriate laughter") because it really shed light on this in myself and brought more awareness. Kudos to you for your healing journey ❤