Laughter and Relationships

When we think about laughter and people, we often associate it to those we find funny. These could be people in our personal lives or people we watch for entertainment. We acknowledge ‘funny’ people and can enjoy their company and laugh at the way they amuse us, but the reality is that whilst we might consciously associate funny people as the initiators of our laughter, we have a greater propensity to laugh with those we love.

Laughter is a great connector and allows us to demonstrate a clear positive endorsement of those we are with. When we laugh with someone we are building assurance which in turn allows us a greater likelihood to share information that is important to us. Laughter tells people; ‘I like you’, ‘I approve’, ‘I agree’ and these are the sentiments upon which strong relationships are founded.

Relationship laughter is not built on joke telling or structured ways of generating amusement, but more through the natural joy and pleasure of being with people whose company is important to you. This closeness means that laugher can be used to make people feel better when things are difficult, from a place of love and not derision. There is a confidence in shared laughter that brings about bonds of trust and inclusivity; a comfort of being and knowing each other which allows sharing something that can bring about a fit of spontaneous laughter. The contagious effect of laughter generates closeness through shared experience and an exposure to uncontrollable behavior in a world when we are often on our guard.

Take some time to notice who you laugh with in the course of a day and how linked is that to the closeness of bond. 

Jane