Did You and Your Spouse Laugh Today…Together?

posted by Michele Olson


Think back to dating your now husband or wife. Was there any laughter and fun in your relationship? Pretty much anyone reading this would have to say, YES! Think of your relationship now. Is there laughter and fun? Are you racking your brain or does the answer come easily?

Laughter is so important to a relationship. And it doesn’t matter if anyone else gets your merriment; it only matters if you two “get it.” In fact, if there are jokes that most people roll their eyes at, and you two are laughing your heads off, it’s a sign of a solid marriage.

Appalachian State University psychologists asked 52 couples to reminisce about fun times they had alone or together. The couples who recalled the shared laughs were also the couples who were most satisfied with their relationships. “When people laugh at the same thing, they validate each other’s opinions,” says lead author Doris Bazzini PhD. “And inside jokes or pet names-things others just don’t get- strengthen ties between couples.”

Going back to these moments can be a soothing balm in some of the rough patches.

So when you’re working on ways to strengthen your relationship, remember back to the types of things that made you laugh and enjoy each other’s sense of humor. Make a point of renting a funny DVD and watching it together, remember a joke or funny co-worker story to tell each other at the end of the day. Read something aloud from a magazine or book you are reading that will bring a smile to your loved one’s face. Take some time to laugh together today. Skipping the opportunity to bond through laughter is just not funny.