Celebrate April Fools Day without being a Jerk

I like April Fools Day. I understand people's aversion to it though. Way too many people get carried away or just downright mean with the things they do as pranks. Honestly I am not even really into pranks. I have a suggestion for enjoying April the First. 

Ditch the pranks and opt for silliness. You can be weird, tell jokes, and create silly displays. All without being mean.

No one wants their hopes built up and then dashed upon the rocks. No one wants to be made fun of. If you are the only one laughing, you’re probably being a jerk.

Now if people are just a little confused that might be okay too. Like they come into work and there are googly eyes on all of the work equipment. Nondestructive silly gags can kick the mundane humdrum in the teeth and give everyone a well needed laugh.  Just look at GISH and the spontaneous art projects, acts of kindness, and general weirdness we get to in that international scavenger hunt. 

So this April 1st I encourage you to be weird and spread some joy. Don’t lie to someone and tell them their favorite show is coming back only to see their disappointment. Do get everyone at the office to wear silly hats. Don’t put rocks in the rock candy to hurt people. Do add food coloring to your food so it's a weird color. You’ve heard of red velvet cake, well today we are having purple velvet cake. Play a fun game with your friends of making up words and then see who can invent the most outlandish definition for it.

Be silly. Be friendly. Be nice.