Hello there, friend. I’m Cousin Chuckles the Monkey. It’s nice to meet you in this warm, leafy jungle of Africa. When I first came here, the monkeys Giggles and Tickles were expecting me to join in their pranks and tricks. I’m their cousin, after all. But I’m different—less mischievous, more orderly. I tend to prefer things neat, calm, predictable. Pranks, jokes, chaos… they’ve never felt quite right to me at first.

You see, when I arrived, I didn’t laugh much. I didn’t make funny faces, didn’t play tricks. And though everyone thought that was odd, it made the jungle dull. The birds stopped chirping with excitement; the monkeys paused their antics; even I felt something missing. The colors seemed less bright, the trees less alive.

Eventually, I realised—or Doctor Gordon Gorilla helped me to see—that laughter isn’t just about jokes. It’s about connection. It’s about letting others share joy, and letting yourself feel light-hearted. So I started experimenting: a small smile here, a gentle joke there. I read a book Doctor Gordon gave me on “how to laugh,” on what kind of laughter helps people feel happy. Slowly, I tried things: playful teases, funny faces, joining in with Giggles & Tickles when they invited me, even if I felt nervous.

And you know what? It helped. The jungle brightened. The animals began to laugh again. I found joy in laughter—not just because others did, but because laughter lifted me too. I learned that being tidy, orderly, serious—all those things are fine, but kindness, joy, laughter—these matter too. And being true to myself means I can choose when to be serious, when to be playful. I still like neat, still feel more comfortable in calm moments—but I also see that laughter has a place in those calm moments too. It’s good medicine.

I’d really like to get to know you. Here are some questions—some about your life, some about what you like. Feel free to answer any you like, or skip those you don’t want.

What’s your name (or nickname), and where are you from?

Are you someone who laughs easily, or more quietly?

Have you ever avoided laughter because you thought it wasn’t “appropriate” or that others would judge?

What kind of jokes or funny things do you enjoy (pranks, puns, slapstick, silly stories)?

When is a time you felt joy or laughter made a difference—brightened a day, made something tough easier?

Do you prefer calm, tidy settings or lively, messy ones (or both)?

When someone expects you to behave one way, but you feel different inside, what helps you be yourself?

Do you like surprises, or do you prefer things to go as planned?

What makes you laugh—what always brings a smile?

What’s something you sometimes feel shy or unsure about?

Do you think laughter is important—for you, for others, or both? Why?

How do you feel when people expect you to act like someone else (a “funny person,” or outgoing, or whatever)?

Have you ever used humor to help someone who was sad or bored?

What are some moments when you feel whole, content, at peace?

When you try something new (like trying to be playful if you’re usually quiet), what helps you feel comfortable?

What makes you feel accepted by others?

What role does kindness play in how you treat others—and how others treat you?

Are you someone who likes structure and rules? Or do you like flexibility and spontaneity?

How do you feel when you succeed in making someone else laugh or smile?

Favorite place that makes you feel calm?

Favorite animal (besides monkeys)?

Favorite sound or music that makes you smile?

Favorite season or time of day—morning, dusk, twilight?

Favorite color or collection of colors that feel joyful to you?

Favorite way someone else has cheered you up when you were down?

Favorite way to help others feel joyful?

I hope sharing a bit of me helps you feel heard—because you are. I promise to listen to your stories, to try laughter when it's right, and to be someone you can trust when the world feels serious. Whenever you need a calm moment—or a gentle smile—I’ll be here.