Many people identify a sense of humor as an important trait they seek in partners when they're dating.
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| The Power of Humor and Laughter in Relationships |
People often include a sense of humor as one of their attributes as well as an attribute they're seeking in a potential partner in their dating profile (see my article: Why is a Good Sense of Humor So Attractive in a Partner?).
The Power of Humor and Laughter in Relationships
Humor and laughter play a powerful role in long term relationships (see my article: The Benefits of Laughter For Your Health and Mental Health) including:
- Strengthening the Bond in a Relationship: Shared humor and laughter can increase closeness and connectedness to strengthen the bond in a relationship.
- Improving Communication: When two people can laugh together, they often overcome barriers to communication. Humor can help a couple to talk about difficult topics when humor is used in an appropriate way.
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| The Power of Humor and Laughter in Relationships |
- Reducing Stress: Laughter increases endorphins which improves mood and reduces stress.
- Building Resilience: Laughter can have a positive impact on a person's overall sense of well-being. It can also help a couple to build resilience in their relationship.
How to Increase Laughter in Your Relationship
Stress and anxiety can make it difficult to find humor in everyday situations, especially if a couple is trying to balance family and work obligations (see my article: Balancing Your Personal Life and Your Career).
Even when you're going through stressful times, you can take steps to create an opening for humor:
- Gentle Teasing: Well-time light hearted teasing can help you and your partner to relax, laugh and enjoy each other's company.
- Playfulness and Flirting: When you flirt with your partner in playful ways, you can enjoy each other's company and even improve your sex life (see my articles: What is Rec-Relational Sex? and Try a Little Playfulness in Your Relationship).
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| The Power of Humor and Laughter in Relationships |
- Silliness: You and your partner can share silly moments, including telling jokes or funny stories, to add humor to your relationship.
- Remember Funny Moments Together: When you and your partner recall fun times together, you're sharing moments in your life that felt good for both of you. This can strengthen the bonds between you.
- Play Fun Games Together: Taking the time together to play fun games together can help you both to laugh, relax and enjoy each other's company.
Getting Help in Therapy
A lack of humor and playfulness is often a sign of relational problems for couples.
If you and your partner have problems you have been unable to resolve on your own, seek help from a licensed mental health professional who works with couples.
See my article: What is Emotionally Focused Therapy For Couples (EFT)
A skilled couples therapist can help you to overcome problems so you can have a more fulfilling relationship.
About Me
I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT, Somatic Experiencing and Sex Therapist.
I work with individual adults and couples.
To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.
To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.