Ridicule of your neighbour must be largely speculation; of the comedy in yourself there can be no doubt.
When you get the essential humour out of yourself, you get the infallible touch, and you arrest and attract everyone.

You are not the superior person.

In effect, you slap your neighbour on the back and say, "We're all in the same boat; let us enjoy the joke"; and you find he will come to you with glistening eye.

He may feel a little foolish at first--you are poking his ribs; but you cannot help it--having given him the way to poke your own.

By your merry honesty he knows you for a safe comrade, and he comes with relief and confidence--we like to talk about ourselves.