Laughter as Medicine: How Humor Keeps Love (and Health) Alive
You know that moment when you and your partner are doubled over in laughter, unable to catch your breath? Maybe it was an inside joke, a silly miscommunication, or just one of those things that hit at the right time. Whatever it was, for a few beautiful seconds, the world disappeared, and it was just the two of you—connected, light, and in sync.
Or you’re in a social setting and someone says something that triggers an inside joke that you share and you laugh with each other over something no one else gets.
Laughter does more than make life enjoyable. It strengthens relationships, eases tension, and even improves our health. Couples who laugh together not only report higher relationship satisfaction but also experience lower stress levels and a greater sense of emotional intimacy.
In long-term love, laughter isn’t just entertainment—it’s medicine.
Why Laughter is Essential in Marriage
As relationships mature, responsibilities often take center stage. Bills, careers, family obligations—somewhere along the way, playfulness can get buried under the weight of everyday life. But laughter is one of the simplest ways to keep your relationship vibrant and resilient.
- It Diffuses Conflict – Have you ever been in a heated argument that suddenly turned into laughter? A shared chuckle at the right moment can break tension and remind you both that you’re on the same team. (humor should never be used to dismiss real concerns, but a well-timed laugh can bring perspective to minor disagreements.)
- It Keeps Your Connection Fresh – Long-term relationships thrive on emotional connection, and laughter creates a sense of shared joy. When you laugh together, you reinforce the idea that your partner is not just your spouse but also your favorite person to have fun with.
- It’s Good for Your Health – Studies show that laughter reduces stress hormones, improves circulation, and even boosts the immune system. So technically, laughing together could help you live longer!
Create More Laughter in Your Marriage
Humor doesn’t have to be complicated or forced. You don’t need a comedy degree—just a willingness to be playful and open.
- Cultivate Inside Jokes – Think back to something hilarious from your early days together. Bring it up! Inside jokes create a private world only the two of you understand, reinforcing intimacy.
- Be Willing to Laugh at Yourself – Perfection is overrated. Embrace the awkward moments, silly mistakes, and unexpected surprises. When you can laugh at yourself, it invites your partner to do the same.
- Try Something New Together – Take a dance class, attempt a new sport, or even cook a complicated recipe—anything that would be fun! Shared experiences create natural moments of humor.
- Watch or Listen to Comedy – Whether it’s a stand-up special, a favorite sitcom, or a funny podcast, intentionally seeking out laughter can lift both your moods and remind you of the joy in your own relationship.
- Try to Be Playful in Everyday Life – Leave a funny note, send a goofy text, or send a greeting card for no reason. Small playful gestures go a long way in keeping laughter alive.
In Conclusion
Laughter is one of the greatest gifts you can bring into your marriage. It’s a reminder not to take life too seriously, to find joy in the everyday, and to cherish the person you love.
So, here’s a challenge for you: Find one thing to laugh about together every day this week. Whether it’s a funny memory, a spontaneous joke, or a ridiculous dance move—let laughter be the soundtrack of your love.
Because laughter is the best medicine!
© The Brave Marriage, 2025; CC BY-NC
