The Role of Humor in Marriage

Laughter is medicine for marriage. Couples who can laugh together handle stress better, recover from conflict faster, and report higher satisfaction. Humor creates connection, diffuses tension, and reminds you why you like each other. If you've stopped laughing together, something important has been lost.

This doesn't mean making jokes during serious conversations or using humor to avoid real issues. It means maintaining a spirit of playfulness and fun that keeps the relationship light even when life is heavy.

Why Humor Matters

Connection: Shared laughter is a form of intimacy. Inside jokes bond you together.

Stress relief: Laughter physiologically reduces stress hormones and releases endorphins.

Perspective: Humor helps you not take yourself too seriously.

Repair: In conflict, appropriate humor can de-escalate and signal care.

When did you stop laughing? When did marriage become all logistics and responsibilities? Recapturing playfulness isn't frivolous; it's essential maintenance for the relationship.

Humor That Helps vs. Hurts

• Helpful: Shared humor, laughing together, gentle teasing that both enjoy
• Harmful: Mockery, sarcasm that cuts, humor at her expense, using humor to avoid issues

Bringing Humor Back

Remember what made you laugh: What did you do for fun when dating? Bring some of that back.

Be playful: Don't let every interaction be serious. Lighten up when possible.

Find shared comedy: Shows, movies, experiences that make you both laugh.

Learn her humor: What makes her laugh? Pay attention and deliver.

Your Action Steps

This week: Do something fun with your wife. Focus on laughter.

This month: Bring back an inside joke or create a new one.

This quarter: Evaluate the overall tone of your marriage. Is there enough lightness and play?