Surprise is a big one. For example, in my story about the monkey at the zoo, I didn't expect the monkey to take my hat. It was an unexpected event that made it funny. Also, self - embarrassment can be funny. Like when I made a fool of myself in the supermarket. Another element could be misunderstandings. Say you think you're ordering one thing in a restaurant but get something completely different and the resulting confusion can be humorous.
One element is the contrast between what you expect and what actually happens. In my story at the zoo, I expected to just take a picture of the monkeys, not have one steal my hat. Also, the way you react in the story can make it funny. If you overreact or underreact in a situation. For instance, if I had calmly accepted the monkey taking my hat, it might not have been as funny. But my shock and attempts to get it back added to the humor. And the environment or setting can play a role. A supermarket or a zoo are normal places, but when strange things happen there, it makes for a great funny first - person story.
Self - deprecating humor is great too. When you make fun of your own mistakes or quirks. Say, I'm always tripping over my own feet in public places. I can write about how people stare and I just laugh it off. This makes the story relatable and funny. Also, unexpected reactions can add to the humor. If in a story, I see a mouse and instead of screaming, I start talking to it like it's my friend, that's a funny twist.
Unexpected events for sure. Like if it starts to rain suddenly and you have no umbrella but you both end up dancing in the rain instead of getting mad. It's that kind of spontaneity that can be really funny.
One element is when there is a complete reversal of what you expect. For example, a large, muscular man who is scared of a small spider. Also, cultural differences can play a role. If you see someone wearing traditional clothing from a different culture and you assume they are very traditional in all aspects, but then they show a modern side like being into extreme sports. And misunderstandings based on appearance, like thinking someone is a serious athlete because of their sporty gear, but they just like the style and never actually play the sport.
Suspense is key. For example, in a first person ghost story, if the narrator is constantly hearing strange noises but not seeing the source right away, it builds suspense. Also, a sense of isolation. When the narrator is alone in a spooky place like an old house or a deserted forest, it makes the situation scarier.
Surprise elements can make a first night story funny. For example, if someone is expecting a quiet night in a hotel but then discovers that there are noisy neighbors having a karaoke party next door. Another element is miscommunication. Maybe a couple thought they booked a room with a king - sized bed but ended up with a tiny single bed, and their reactions to this unexpected situation can be hilarious.
The element of surprise often makes first period stories funny. For example, when a girl is not expecting it at all and it suddenly happens in a public place. Another element is the naivete of those around, like in the case of boys who have no clue about periods and end up doing something really silly. Also, the creative ways girls come up with to deal with the situation when they are unprepared can be quite humorous.
I think the naivete of young love makes first crush stories funny. When we're young, we might have a crush on someone just because they have a cool backpack or they can draw really well. We don't understand real relationships yet, so our reasons for liking someone can be quite simple and funny. For instance, I had a crush on a boy because he always had the best snacks at recess. It seems so trivial now but was a big deal back then. And the way we act around our crushes, like getting all tongue - tied or blushing at the slightest glance, is also very humorous.
Relatable situations also work well. We all know how it feels to be embarrassed in public. A story about someone slipping on a banana peel in a crowded place is funny because we can put ourselves in that situation.
Surprise is a key element. For example, in a short story like 'The cat thought it was a dog for a day. Then it remembered it had nine lives and didn't care anymore.' The unexpected twist at the end makes it funny.
The setting can play a big role. A story set in an exotic location like a tropical island or a bustling city at night can add to the allure. Say, two girls exploring the narrow streets of Paris at night, their arms linked, sharing secrets under the streetlights. Also, their individual personalities, like one being more outgoing and the other shy, can create interesting dynamics.