How well do you like prank

Greetings dear stemians trust you all are doing great
Pranks – Funny, Annoying or Just Plain Too Much?

If there’s one thing I’ve come to realize, it’s that not everyone knows when to stop. Some people just love pranks so much that they’ll go the extra mile just to get a laugh even if it means putting someone else through stress. And the funny thing? They’ll still tell you to “calm down, it’s just a joke.” But is it really always just a joke?

Personally, I don’t hate pranks. In fact, I’ve laughed at a good number of them especially the creative ones that catch you off guard but don’t leave a bad taste. But the truth is, it’s a thin line between funny and annoying. Some people cross that line without even realizing it, and others just don’t care.

Let me break it down this way: some pranks are harmless and even memorable, while others? They’re just straight-up stressful.

Now, let me share one prank I won’t forget in a hurry.

It happened during the semester, and I was already having one of those days. You know the type—woke up late, stomach was acting funny, and the sun outside was not smiling at anybody. I was at home trying to rest when a coursemate called me frantically. According to her, one of our lecturers had announced an impromptu test and anyone who didn’t show up would automatically get zero.

Now, if you’ve ever been in a Nigerian university, you’d understand why I didn’t even think twice. Lecturers can be unpredictable, and missing a test could mean an extra year. Despite my stomach ache and the annoying transport fare, I dragged myself out, boarded a keke, and rushed to campus.

Guess what?

There was no test.

There wasn’t even a lecture. The class venue was locked, the lecturer wasn’t even on campus, and there were only three confused people sitting around—probably victims like me.

My coursemate later called me laughing, saying, “You too dey fear test! I just wanted to see how fast you’d show up.”

I didn’t find it funny at all. I was tired, uncomfortable, and had wasted money I didn’t really have that day. What annoyed me the most was that she thought it was harmless. But honestly, it wasn’t. If roles were reversed, she would have been angry too.

So yeah, while pranks can be funny, some are just too much especially when they cost you peace, money or health. Not everything should be a joke.

Now on the flip side, I’ve also experienced the sweet kind of prank. A good one. The kind that actually makes you smile even though you were tricked.

It was my birthday, and I didn’t expect much that year. Most of my friends acted like they forgot even the ones that never miss it. I just told myself, “Maybe everyone’s busy this time.” But that evening, one of my friends insisted I should follow her to buy something at a nearby store.

I almost said no, but something told me to just go. The moment we diverted the road I knew something was odd she acted as though she forgot something then the surprise came”

They had made ridiculous photos of words I say randomly carefully matted on the floor then the light came surprise I had my words matted down I couldn't help but laugh hard they made it small but special

So, where’s the line?

For me, it all boils down to intent and impact. If your prank causes unnecessary stress, wastes someone’s money, or embarrasses them publicly, it’s not funny. If it’s something you wouldn’t want done to you, don’t do it to someone else.

And when people say, “I didn’t like that,” the least you can do is apologize—not argue or say they’re overreacting. We’re all different. Some people enjoy a little chaos, others prefer peace and quiet. Respect that.

At the end of the day, I think pranks should be fun for everyone involved, not just the person pulling it off. If you can’t guarantee that, maybe it’s best to just chill and find another way to make people laugh.

So yes, prank if you must—but prank responsibly
Thanks for going through my post