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How to Giggle

How to Giggle

A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously
by Hannah Berner 2025 208 pages
4.27
5.9K ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Take Life Less Seriously: The Giggly Philosophy

DON’T WASTE A MINUTE NOT BEING HAPPY. IF ONE WINDOW CLOSES, RUN TO THE NEXT WINDOW—OR BREAK DOWN A DOOR.

Find happiness. The core message is to navigate life's harshness by taking things less seriously and finding happiness. The book aims to share friendship, stories, opinions, and giggles. It's designed as an easy read, like a picture book with lists, for those with short attention spans.

Embrace challenges. Don't be afraid to face challenges, even if you feel unprepared or nervous. The authors, despite self-professed spelling and reading limitations, tackled writing a book. They encourage readers to embrace leisure reading as a "chic" activity.

Seek alternatives. If one path doesn't work, don't be afraid to pivot or create your own opportunities. This philosophy encourages resilience and proactive pursuit of joy, rather than passive acceptance of circumstances.

2. Humor & "Bits": The Glue of Friendship

Committing to a bit is one of the essential joys in life and truly the glue that keeps our friendship together.

Shared language. "Bits" are defined as inside jokes or phrases repeated often, creating a silly, secret language between friends. They help find humor in mundane existence and signify a shared sense of humor.

Navigate life. Humor is presented as a "secret sauce" to handle awkward situations, heated conversations, and general social anxiety. It helps friends bond and makes hard days more bearable.

Chase dreams. Viewing life as a series of "bits" can make chasing dreams less scary. Don't take yourself too seriously; failure, embarrassment, or judgment are just part of the bit, and your friends will find it hysterical.

3. Being Delusional is the Solulu: Believe in Your Dreams

Being delulu is the solulu.

Believe in yourself. Delusional means believing something untrue, but the authors argue that no one truly knows what's true, and everything is made up. Believing you can live your dreams, even when others doubt you, is the first step to success.

Create your reality. The combination of confidence, happiness, and positivity is a mindset that starts with your thoughts, which create your reality. Choose to be a "delulu icon" rather than bullying yourself.

Support others. Never be a buzzkill about a friend's delusions, as supporting their energy helps your own. Haters are often projecting their own insecurities and lack imagination.

4. Navigating Anxiety: Feel the Feelings, Find the Funny

Once you stop letting your anxiety control you, the world is your oyster and you don’t need to get a lobotomy (even though that does sound quite peaceful).

Anxiety is normal. Anxiety is a common, often inherited trait that doesn't define you. It can manifest physically and emotionally, sometimes feeling like a "toxic roommate" in your brain.

Coping mechanisms. Therapy helps understand and detach from negative voices. Talking to friends or family makes fears less scary. Medication like Prozac can also help manage symptoms.

Reframe and embrace. Learn to be compassionate to yourself and reframe situations. Finding the funny in bad experiences helps you stay afloat and fail forward. Embrace your emotions and challenge yourself, knowing that bravery is rewarded.

5. Decentering Men: Focus on Yourself First

Decentering men is our religion.

Shift perspective. Decentering men means not basing your decisions, happiness, or self-worth on male validation or attention. It's a constant practice to avoid betraying yourself and losing who you are.

Prioritize yourself. Focus on activities that benefit your mental and physical health and happiness, like work, hobbies, or spending time with friends. Men can enhance life but are not necessary for fulfillment.

Attract the right partner. By focusing on being true to yourself, you create space to learn what you really want and attract a partner who is right for you. Don't waste time being upset over a man's inattentiveness; find peace within yourself.

6. Friendship Red Flags: Choose Your Circle Wisely

If friends disappoint you over and over, that’s in large part your own fault.

Friendships evolve. It's normal to have different friends throughout life, and relationships serve as mirrors for self-discovery. Friend drama and heartbreaks contribute to developing a sense of humor.

Identify toxic traits. Be aware of red flags like friends who only show up during your downfall, those who make everything about themselves, overly demanding or "leechy" friends, or those who dislike other women. Also, avoid friends who don't appreciate your humor.

Value quality. Prioritize quality over quantity in friendships. A few reliable friends who truly get you are better than a large group where you feel lonely or treated badly. Don't be afraid to leave toxic dynamics.

7. Romantic Red Flags: What to Avoid in Men

When you first meet a guy, assume he’s trash and let him prove to you that he’s not.

Adjust your mindset. Instead of assuming a new man is perfect, start by assuming he's "trash" and make him earn your trust. This helps you see red flags clearly instead of making excuses.

Common red flags. Be wary of men who call themselves "good guys," are overly active on social media, declare feelings immediately, have friends who suck, follow hundreds of Instagram models, call women "females," hide their feelings, constantly talk about exes, or need a "babysitter."

Trust your gut. Don't let flattery blind you to potential issues. Focus on whether you actually like him and how he makes you feel. If he acts weird or disrespects you, don't hesitate to leave.

8. The Power of Laughter: It's Mouth Pilates

If we do the girl math, laughter is basically mouth Pilates.

Physical benefits. Laughter is scientifically proven to be good for you, increasing oxygen intake, stimulating organs, and releasing endorphins. Endorphins have pain-relieving properties and boost happiness.

Social connection. Laughter is a powerful form of nonverbal communication that conveys humor, helps bond with people, and creates understanding. True intimacy is found in laughing at the same time with someone.

Coping mechanism. Laughter can be used strategically to smooth over awkward situations and help cope with life's challenges. It's a healthy expression of joy and can even help process trauma.

9. Social Media: Post, But Don't Overthink It

As we all know, social media isn’t real, so we have to figure out how we want to portray ourselves on social media.

Curate your presence. Social media is a reality, but it's not real. Decide how you want to express yourself uniquely online. Don't let fear of judgment stop you from posting.

Tips for posting. Avoid crying on stories (keep private moments private) and over-editing photos (can lead to self-hate). Don't make your significant other your entire personality online.

Engage wisely. Don't leave mean comments; spread positivity instead. Use platforms like Instagram for flirting (follow, like photos, reply to stories). Authenticity attracts followers.

10. Pooping in Public: A Necessary Life Skill

Most of society pretends women don’t poop, so we have to pretend that all the Taco Bell we just ate evaporates into Santal 33 eau de parfum as it slowly gets released through our pores as we sweat.

It's normal. Despite societal pretense, women poop, and it's a common experience, even for "great minds." Don't be ashamed; it happens.

Situational strategies.

  • Work: Be discreet, vary timing, avoid bathroom small talk.
  • Bar: Locate the bathroom early, use noise/drunkenness as cover, flush during.
  • Date: Go once, ideally before his place; lie about a line if needed.
  • His apartment: Most challenging; use matches, turn on faucet, flush multiple times, or leave to find a public bathroom.

Don't hold it. Life is too short to hold in a poop. If someone acts weird about it, they're not your soulmate. Prioritize your comfort.

Last updated:

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FAQ

1. What is "How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously" by Hannah Berner about?

  • Friendship and Humor as Survival: The book is a comedic, candid guide to navigating life’s challenges by embracing humor, friendship, and not taking things too seriously.
  • Personal Stories and Lists: It’s structured around personal anecdotes from Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, with plenty of lists, bits, and inside jokes.
  • Self-Help with a Twist: While it offers advice on happiness, confidence, and relationships, it does so through a lens of self-deprecation, pop culture references, and irreverent humor.
  • Emphasis on Female Friendship: The core of the book is the authors’ friendship and how their shared sense of humor has helped them thrive in the public eye and in their personal lives.

2. Why should I read "How to Giggle" by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo?

  • Relatable and Uplifting: The book is perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed by life and wants to find joy in the everyday through laughter and friendship.
  • Modern, Millennial Perspective: It’s packed with references to reality TV, social media, and current trends, making it especially relevant for younger readers.
  • Practical and Playful Advice: The authors offer actionable tips on everything from manifesting your dreams to handling social anxiety, all delivered with wit.
  • Celebrates Imperfection: If you’re tired of self-help books that take themselves too seriously, this book’s playful, honest approach is a refreshing change.

3. What are the key takeaways from "How to Giggle" by Hannah Berner?

  • Don’t Take Life Too Seriously: Embracing humor and seeing life as a series of “bits” can make challenges more manageable.
  • The Power of Female Friendship: Strong, supportive friendships are essential for happiness and resilience.
  • Manifestation and Delusion: Being a little “delulu” (delusional) about your dreams can actually help you achieve them.
  • Decentering Men: Prioritizing your own happiness and goals over seeking male validation leads to greater fulfillment.

4. What is the origin story of the Giggly Squad, as told in "How to Giggle"?

  • Reality TV Beginnings: Hannah and Paige met while working in media and were later cast together on Bravo’s "Summer House," where their friendship blossomed.
  • Trauma Bonding: Their shared experiences on reality TV, including dealing with drama and public scrutiny, brought them closer.
  • Pandemic Pivot: During COVID-19 lockdowns, they started going live on Instagram nightly, creating a community of “Gigglers” and eventually launching the Giggly Squad podcast.
  • Friendship as Foundation: Their ability to make each other laugh became the basis for their brand and the book.

5. How do Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo define and use "bits" in "How to Giggle"?

  • Inside Jokes as Coping: “Bits” are recurring inside jokes or phrases that help them find humor in mundane or stressful situations.
  • Secret Language of Friendship: Sharing bits creates a unique bond and a sense of belonging between friends.
  • Life as a Series of Bits: They encourage readers to see embarrassing or scary moments as just another bit, making it easier to take risks and recover from setbacks.
  • Manifestation through Humor: Sometimes, bits can become reality—like Hannah joking about engagement rings until she actually got engaged.

6. What does "being delulu" (delusional) mean in "How to Giggle," and why do the authors recommend it?

  • Embracing Big Dreams: Being “delulu” means believing in your dreams even when they seem unrealistic or others doubt you.
  • Confidence as a Superpower: The authors argue that a little delusion is necessary for success, as it helps you ignore naysayers and keep going.
  • Examples from Icons: The book highlights famous people (Oprah, Seinfeld, Jim Carrey, etc.) who succeeded because they were delusional enough to believe in themselves.
  • Avoiding Self-Sabotage: Overthinking and self-doubt can hold you back, but a delulu mindset keeps you moving forward.

7. What is the "manifestation" method in "How to Giggle," and how do Hannah and Paige approach it?

  • Gut-Level Belief: Hannah’s method is to deeply believe you already are what you want to become, then break big goals into actionable steps.
  • Five-Year Fantasy Lists: Paige prefers making “totally unrealistic” five-year goal lists and visualizing how achieving them would feel.
  • Manifestation Mistakes: Both authors share stories of manifesting the wrong things (jobs, relationships) and how to pivot when that happens.
  • Fun and Flexibility: Manifestation should feel exciting and fun, not forced or rigid.

8. How do Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo address social anxiety and mental health in "How to Giggle"?

  • Humor as Armor: They use humor and bits to cope with social anxiety and awkward situations.
  • Therapy and Medication: Both authors are open about seeking therapy and, in Hannah’s case, using Prozac to manage anxiety.
  • Sharing Vulnerability: They normalize panic attacks, performance anxiety, and the pressure to be perfect, offering practical tips for self-compassion.
  • Community Support: The Giggly Squad community is presented as a safe space for anxious, awkward, or introverted people.

9. What is "decentering men," and why is it a core concept in "How to Giggle"?

  • Prioritizing Yourself: Decentering men means not making male attention or validation the center of your life or decisions.
  • Breaking Social Conditioning: The authors critique how society encourages women to seek fulfillment through relationships, urging readers to focus on their own happiness and goals.
  • Practical Strategies: They share personal stories of times they lost themselves in relationships and how they reclaimed their independence.
  • Not Anti-Men, Just Pro-You: Decentering men isn’t about hating men, but about ensuring your life is full and satisfying with or without a partner.

10. What are some of the most memorable "bits" and inside jokes from "How to Giggle"?

  • "Allegedly": Used to share gossip or wild stories without legal risk.
  • "Capitalism Wins Again": A catch-all phrase for confusing or frustrating situations involving money or consumerism.
  • "I Can’t Be Managed": A declaration of independence from rules or expectations.
  • "See You in Court": A dramatic way to express disagreement or call out a slight.
  • "Decentering Men": A mantra for putting yourself first in life and relationships.

11. What advice does "How to Giggle" offer about social media, self-image, and personal style?

  • Don’t Overedit or Overshare: The authors caution against excessive photo editing and posting emotional breakdowns online.
  • Authenticity Over Perfection: They encourage readers to post what makes them happy, not what they think others want to see.
  • Style as Self-Expression: Paige shares tips for developing personal style, emphasizing comfort, confidence, and not being afraid to experiment or make mistakes.
  • Social Media Boundaries: Advice includes not making your relationship your whole online identity and not leaving mean comments.

12. What are the best quotes from "How to Giggle" by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, and what do they mean?

  • “Don’t waste a minute not being happy. If one window closes, run to the next window—or break down a door.” —Brooke Shields (epigraph): Encourages relentless pursuit of happiness and opportunity.
  • “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” —Suzy Kassem: Highlights the importance of self-belief and taking risks.
  • “Being delulu is the solulu.”: Embracing a little delusion is the solution to achieving your dreams.
  • “Decentering men is our religion.”: A call to prioritize your own life and happiness over seeking male approval.
  • “If you don’t laugh during sex at least once, you’re having sex with the wrong person.”: A reminder to embrace imperfection and find joy in all aspects of life.

Review Summary

4.27 out of 5
Average of 5.9K ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

How to Giggle receives mostly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.32 out of 5. Readers praise its humor, relatable content, and girl-coded advice. Many appreciate the book's interactive elements, like quizzes and graphics. Fans of the authors and their podcast find it entertaining and insightful. Some criticize it as a cash grab or reused content. The audiobook narration is well-received. Overall, it's described as a fun, light read for young women, offering life advice and humor from two popular personalities.

Your rating:
4.64
73 ratings

About the Author

Hannah Berner is the author of How to Giggle. She co-wrote the book with Paige DeSorbo, though Paige is not listed as an author on some platforms. Hannah is known for her appearances on Bravo's Summer House and her work as an Instagram psychic. She co-hosts the Giggly Squad podcast with Paige. The book is described as a blend of humor and life advice, targeting a young female audience. Hannah's writing style is informal and relatable, drawing from her experiences in entertainment and social media. The book's success builds on her existing fanbase from television and podcasting.

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