The character in "The Robber Bride" grapples with mixed feelings about condoms, viewing them as both morally questionable and amusing. This internal conflict leads to a struggle where she feels the need to suppress laughter whenever she encounters them. The humor she finds in their design, comparing them to rubber gloves with a single finger, highlights their absurdity in her eyes.

However, her amusement is tempered by the fear of what laughter might imply, particularly concerning the men involved. She worries that any sign of humor could be misinterpreted as ridicule, especially regarding their masculinity, which she considers a delicate subject. This tension underlines her complex relationship with intimacy and sexuality.