Sometimes, people don't really hide their pain behind laughter; it's just that those around them are also too busy with their lives and problems that they seem not to notice.
Sometimes, people can be going through a lot, and when asked, "How are you?" they simply say, "Fine." Sometimes, the word fine might not sit right with you, but you just brush the feeling aside and continue because you, too, might have something bothering you.
Hiding pain behind laughter, to me, has become a normal part of life, because how will one keep burdening others with numerous problems and troubles? Hiding pain and continuing to be strong are part of the struggle and survival, depending on the level of pain. I always say that instead of bottling it all up, which can be depressing, feel free to cry it out. Talk to someone who is willing to listen and ready to help, even if not financially, but by offering emotional support or helping with whatever they have.
Also, I think it's because of the fear of being ridiculed for one's problems. Sometimes, discussing one's weaknesses with others can breed contempt, and those weaknesses can be used against the person. So, to avoid all these, acting like all is well becomes the best option.
While some people are naturally secretive about everything, they might not even be deliberately hiding their pain, but they won't necessarily say what's wrong with them either.
Writing this, I now wonder: Is there a human being without problems? Growth comes with responsibilities and challenges. One has to be strong to survive. Sometimes, pain can break a person, but a lesson is learnt from it, and these experiences harden the heart.
Thank you for engaging!!!