Safe & Generally Approachable:
* Observational humor: Point out something silly you noticed ("Did you see that guy trip over his own feet? I think gravity's got a vendetta against him!"). Keep it light and avoid making fun of anyone directly.
* Self-deprecating humor: Making fun of yourself in a lighthearted way can be endearing. ("My attempt at parallel parking was... less than successful. I think I need a bigger car... or a smaller parking space.")
* Wordplay/Puns: These can be cheesy, but a well-timed pun can get a chuckle. Keep them clean and relevant to the conversation.
* Funny stories: Share a short, amusing anecdote about something that happened to you. Keep it concise and engaging.
* Relatable situations: Make jokes about the struggles of middle school – homework, teachers, awkward situations. Everyone can relate to that!
Things to AVOID:
* Offensive jokes: Avoid anything that's racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise discriminatory.
* Jokes at someone else's expense: Making fun of someone else is rarely funny and will make you look bad.
* Trying too hard: Don't force the humor. If a joke falls flat, move on.
* Repetitive jokes: Don't keep telling the same joke over and over again.
* Inappropriate jokes: Middle school is not the place for adult humor.
More importantly than the *type* of humor:
* Be confident (but not cocky): Confidence is attractive, but arrogance is a turnoff.
* Be genuinely interested in her: Ask her questions about her interests and listen to her answers. Show you care about her as a person.
* Smile and make eye contact: This shows you're friendly and approachable.
* Be yourself: Don't try to be someone you're not. Authenticity is key.
Ultimately, the goal isn't just to make her laugh, but to build a connection. Focus on being friendly, respectful, and genuine, and the laughter will likely follow. Remember, not every joke will land, and that's okay. Just keep being yourself and having fun.