You have probably come across people whose main trait in a partner is a sense of humour, this is because funny people easily attract people to befriend them, talk to them, and be around them. Every moment with them is worth it, as they light up the mood. Studies have shown that a sense of humour can improve mental and physical health, boost attractiveness, and improve leadership skills. According to Collins Dictionary, someone who has a sense of humour often finds things amusing, rather than being serious all the time. Experts state that humour prevents negativity from triggering a depressive episode, as it guards against depression, and improves people’s overall quality of life. Researchers have found that people who score highly in certain types of humour have better self-esteem, more positive affect, greater self-competency, more control over anxiety, and better performance in social interactions. For Alex Asiimwe, a father and social worker, laughter is key as during tough times and tiresome days, it’s what reminds him of positivity, which is why most of his friends have that character in common. He says that sometimes you don’t know that you’re funny, until you meet people who understand and your jokes. Asiimwe believes that life is boring when you lack the funny aspect or funny people around you. He says that being funny in nature has connected him to people easily, which some have turned into great friends. “Being happy, for some reason, allows you to move past negativity, let go of bitterness, feel good, and can make you stay longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humour outlived those who don’t laugh as much,” he says. He also says that a sense of humour keeps someone moving forward after difficult situations, helps them find meaning in life, and relax, which enables them to stay focused, and accomplish their tasks. Asiimwe explains that not all laughter is triggered by jokes, some is derived by just hanging with people that you love such as family and friends. He says, you never know how amazing someone is until you spend time with them without distraction with the phone and other things. That way, true joy comes from within and the value of who they’re to you. “Humour and laughter allow people to open up and express themselves and craft a strong bond with each other, and assists to rebuild broken relationships,” Asiimwe says. He adds that you can add humour to your life by appreciating the things you’re blessed with, being around people who love laughing, if possible, getting laugh therapy, reading funny books, watching funny movies, going for comedy events, and sparing time for fun activities like bowling and zip lining to avoid boredom. Dr Edem Danyo, a health practitioner, says that laughter can protect you from a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems—it helps to enhance the function of blood vessels and boost one’s blood flow. He says that there is a possibility of laughter burning calories as one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories, though he says this shouldn’t stop you from exercising. Dr Danyo says that laughter can keep the doctor away as it improves your fight against diseases, by lowering stress hormones and surging the immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. For dating couples, experts emphasise the use of positive humour to cheer up each other as it can positively contribute to relationship satisfaction. However, the use of aggressive humour, such as teasing and making fun of your partner has the opposite effect. Research suggests that humour has a positive effect on marriages. Even though it is underrated, humour is essential, especially in a romantic relationship. If your partner doesn’t share your sense of humour, it’s pretty obvious that you won’t be laughing much in the relationship.
