The only way I could get comfortable around people was to make them laugh. I was an obedient girl, and humor was my one form of rebellion. I used comedy to deflect. Like, 'Hey, check out my zit!' - you know, making fun of yourself before someone else has a chance to.

In this quote, Tina Fey reflects on how she used humor as a coping mechanism to feel comfortable around people. She explains that growing up, she was an obedient girl, and comedy became her way of asserting herself in social situations. By using humor, particularly self-deprecating humor, Fey could deflect attention from her insecurities and make others laugh instead. The phrase "making fun of yourself before someone else has a chance to" illustrates her strategy of controlling the narrative and using comedy to protect herself from judgment.

Fey also describes how humor served as her form of rebellion. Although she was obedient and followed the rules, making people laugh allowed her to express herself in a way that felt personal and subversive. In a way, comedy became a form of resistance, allowing her to take control of her social interactions, even if it was through humor at her own expense. This idea of using humor to hide vulnerability and deflect awkwardness is a theme she often explores in her work.

The origin of this quote can be traced back to Fey's early experiences in her life and career. As a comedian and writer, particularly in her time with Saturday Night Live and later as the creator of 30 Rock, Fey has often drawn from her own life and insecurities in her comedic work. Her use of humor as a defense mechanism is something that many of her characters also embody, showing the deep connection between her personal experiences and her comedic voice.

Ultimately, Fey’s quote speaks to the therapeutic and empowering aspects of comedy. For her, humor was not just a way to make others laugh, but a way to protect herself and navigate the complexities of social interactions. Through self-deprecation and the ability to laugh at herself first, Fey was able to disarm others and feel more comfortable in her own skin.