On: What Dads' Play Does for Kids

[nostrebored]

People are different, and I'm pretty sure "I'm just teasing" is nearly never the appropriate response if the other person is upset. Either a serious conversation or an apology are likely the right approach if the person does not like the way that you're interacting with them.

[geebee → nostrebored]

I agree. If you have to say "I'm just teasing", you've almost certainly done something wrong.

I'd consider the phrase to be one of those things if you have to say it, you've already messed up. Kind of like "don't worry, he's friendly!"