Everyone likes to laugh.
A good laugh can boost your mood, make you feel happier, and even help you live longer.
But did you know that laughter is also key to a healthy relationship?
When you and your partner can laugh together, it shows that you're comfortable around each other and have a strong bond.
Laughter can help you overcome difficult times and make your relationship stronger.
It can be tough to find ways to make your partner laugh, especially if you've been together for more than a few years.
Not all of us are comedians, and sometimes the jokes just don't flow.
But that's okay - there are plenty of ways to get your partner giggling.
Whether you're a natural jokester or not, keep the laughs rolling by using some of the tried and true methods we outline in this article!
Benefits of Laughter in a Relationship
Most people know that laughter is good for you, but they might not know all the ways it can help your relationship.
Here's a comprehensive overview of the ways laughter can help you and your partner—individually and as a couple.
Physical Benefits
You might not think that laughter has anything to do with your physical health, but you'd be wrong!
Laughter has a lot of physical benefits, many of which can help your relationship.
Check out some of the ways laughter can improve your physical well-being:
1. It burns calories
Laughter can help you burn calories! A good laugh is like a mini-workout.
Laughing for 10 to 15 minutes burns around 40 calories. It doesn't seem like much, but it can add up over time!1
2. It releases endorphins
Laughter serves as a positive indicator of happiness and well-being, which can help reduce stress in your relationship.2
It releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting and stress-relieving effects.3
3. It bolsters your immune system
Laughter also helps keep your immune system strong by increasing the number of infection-fighting cells in your body.4
4. It helps keep your heart healthy
Laughter is good for your heart! A good belly laugh can help reduce stress, contributing to cardiovascular disease.5
5. It helps you live longer
According to a study of over 53,000 Norwegians, laughter is one of the ways to help you live a longer, healthier life.
You get to enjoy each other's company for longer!6
Emotional Benefits
Laughter isn't just good for your physical health.
It’s great for your emotional health too!
Here are some of the ways laughter can improve your emotional well-being:
1. It improves your mood
Laughter is a great way to improve your mood.
When you're feeling down, a good laugh can help pick you right back up!
2. It reduces stress, anxiety, and tension
Laughter is a natural stress reliever.7
It can help reduce tension and anxiety, which can improve your relationship.
3. It makes you happier
Laughter makes you happy! It's as simple as that. Laughing is one of the best ways to boost your mood and make yourself feel good.
4. It helps you be more resilient
Being able to laugh at life's challenges can help you be more resilient, meaning you're able to deal with challenging situations better.8
You Will Have Better Relationships
How?
In 2015, psychologists conducted a study in which they recorded 71 romantic couples explaining how they first met.
What did they find?
The more the couple simultaneously laughed during a conversation, the better the relationship quality, social support, and closeness was.9
Therefore, laughter strengthens your bond and brings you closer together.
Take a look at some of the ways laughter can help your relationship:
1. It is a form of communication
Laughter is a great way to communicate with your partner.
When you laugh together, it shows that you're on the same page and that you understand each other.
Learning to laugh with each other opens the door for more meaningful conversations, which can help your relationship deepen as time passes.10
2. It builds intimacy
Laughter can help you build intimacy with your partner.
It's a way to connect and feel close to them.
Knowing what is and isn't funny to your partner makes them feel "seen" or "known" in a way that few things can.
3. It strengthens your bond
Laughter is a bonding experience.
It helps you form a closer connection with your partner and strengthens your bond.
4. It's fun
Laughter is just plain fun! It lightens the mood and makes your relationship more enjoyable.
5. It can help your relationship weather tough times
Laughter can help you get through tough times together.
When times are tough, it's essential to have something that you can still enjoy together.
6. It's a sign of a healthy relationship
A relationship full of laughter is a healthy one.
If you can laugh together, it means that you're able to handle stress and adversity well.
Resentments, criticisms, and negativity can't take hold in a relationship filled with laughter.11
7. It relaxes you and your partner
Learning to defuse conflict using humor can be very beneficial to you and your partner.
8. It brings you closer together
When you laugh together, you're sharing an intimate moment and strengthening your bond.
9. It creates positive memories
Laughter creates positive memories that you and your partner can look back on and smile at.
These memories will help keep your relationship strong when times get tough.
When you and your partner laugh together, you're strengthening your relationship in ways that are hard to measure.
So the next time you're feeling down or stress, anxiety, or tension starts to creep in, try laughing it off!
It just might be the best thing for both you and your partner.
25 Ways to Make Your Partner Laugh
Some people are naturally funny, but it takes a bit more effort for the rest of us.
If you want to make your partner laugh, don't worry, you don't have to be a comedian.
There are plenty of ways to get you and your partner rolling on the floor with laughter.
However, before we get to these, it's essential to understand the different types of humor.
Your type of humor might not be your partner's type of humor.
Trying to be funny in a way that your partner doesn't appreciate can have the opposite effect and make them less likely to laugh.
There are several different kinds of humor, but we find it easier to divide them into two types:
Aggressive Humor
For example:
Sarcasm, ridicule, or criticism.
These will put others down. In general, most therapists will advise against using this type of humor with your partner.12
One issue with aggressive humor is that it can make your partner feel targeted if they're not in on the joke.
Of course, if you and your partner find this type of humor funny and feel that it helps you connect and feel closer to each other, then go for it!
Just be sure that both of you are on the same page before cracking jokes at each other's expense.
Self-Enhancing or Affiliative Humor
This is the type of humor that most people think of when they hear the word "humor." It makes people laugh and feel good.
Self-enhancing humor is usually self-deprecating, poking fun at oneself in a friendly way. It's also often observational, making light of everyday situations.
Because self-enhancing humor is more inclusive, it's more likely to be funny to both you and your partner.
Therapists often recommend using this type of humor to lighten the mood or defuse a tense situation.
Now that you know the two types of humor try to reflect on the kind of humor you and your partner enjoy.
That way, you can tailor your humor to make your partner laugh.
Whether your humor is more aggressive or self-enhancing, the most important thing is to keep a playful attitude and be sensitive to your partner's sense of humor.
As we mentioned earlier, not everyone knows how to make someone laugh.
Some people are naturally more serious than others, and that's okay.
If you're not naturally funny, don't worry, there's no need to be a comedian.
Here are our top 25 ways to make your partner laugh:
1. Be silly and playful
Have you wondered why some people can make others laugh no matter what they do?
It’s because they know how to be silly and playful.
When you’re with your partner, let go of your inhibitions and goof around. Play tag, wrestle, or just act like children.
Not only will it make them laugh, but it will also make them happy to see you having fun.
For more serious people, this can be a difficult thing to do.
But being silly with your partner is a way of breaking down any barriers that may be there and allowing yourselves to connect genuinely.
If you're a very serious person, you might not think that your partner will enjoy seeing your silly side—but they will!
2. Tell jokes
This one is a classic for a reason. Jokes always make people laugh, and there’s no exception when it comes to your partner.
If you want to make them laugh, tell them some funny jokes.
Just be sure that you know which ones they’ll find funny, and avoid any offensive or risqué jokes—unless, of course, those are the kinds of jokes you both enjoy.
3. Be physical
A lot of laughter comes from physical contact. If slapstick comedy is your thing, you can try tickling, poking, or pulling your partner’s hair.
These moves are usually more effective if you catch your partner by surprise.
If you prefer a more subtle approach, try a light touch on the arm or back when they don't know you're behind them—it's sure to get a chuckle.
4. Surprise them!
If you can, try to catch your partner off guard with something funny.
This could be as simple as sneaking up behind them and saying “boo!” or jumping out from behind a door.
By doing something they don’t expect, you can set off a chain reaction of laughter.
5. Use nicknames
Nicknames are a great way to show your affection for your partner and make them laugh at the same time.
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a funny nickname.
If you and your partner are the types to give each other goofy names, then go ahead and add them into your repertoire of humor.
Come up with a list of silly nicknames that you can call them, and use them when you’re joking around or trying to get them laughing.
6. Imitate them
This one is hilarious if your partner has a distinctive accent or strange mannerisms.
Mimic them as accurately as you can, and wait for them to laugh. Not only is it funny, but it also shows that you’re paying attention and know them well.
7. Tell funny anecdotes about your day
If you had a wacky day at work, share the funny stories with your partner.
They’ll enjoy hearing about the strange things that happened to you and will probably laugh harder than they would if they heard the story from someone else.
8. Act out a scene or do a silly dance
This one is perfect for couples who like to goof around together. Pick a scene from a movie, TV show, or your favorite book and act it out.
You can also make up your own silly dance routine - just be sure to get your partner in on the action.
9. Do a voiceover of their thoughts
Pretend to be their thoughts, and say out loud all the silly, romantic, or embarrassing things they might be thinking.
They’ll get a good laugh out of it, and you’ll get to show off your acting skills.
10. Reenact a funny memory you had together
If you and your partner have a lot of funny memories, why not reenact one of them?
It shows that you still remember the good times you’ve had together while still making them laugh.
11. Draw caricatures of each other
Caricatures are a fun way to make your partner laugh. By exaggerating the features of their face, you can create a funny image that they will enjoy.
Draw a picture of your partner with a huge smile, exaggerated eyes, and a ridiculous hat.
You can even add in some funny dialogue bubbles for an extra punchline.
12. Share embarrassing moments
Embarrassing moments are some of the funniest things to share with your partner.
In addition to all the laughs, opening up about such moments displays your vulnerability and builds trust.
Just make sure that your partner is comfortable with this type of humor before sharing.
13. Compliment your partner in a funny way
There are many ways to compliment your partner in a funny way to make them laugh.
There's no recipe for how to do this, just be creative and think about what would make them chuckle.
You could call them a “big lug” or tell them they have a “nice butt.” As long as you’re doing it in a good spirit, your partner will likely find it funny.
Some compliments you can start with:
- Tell them how weird, quirky, or strange they are and how you love them for it.
- Pretend to be amazed by every little thing they do and tell them how lucky you are to have them.
- Express how happy you are that they’re your partner and how much you appreciate them.
- Joke about how you could never survive without them and how lost you would be without them.
- Tell them that they make you laugh more than anyone else in the world and that you can’t get enough of their humor.
A kernel of truth wrapped in exaggeration always makes a good compliment. It gets your message across while also being funny.
14. Fart
There’s no denying that fart jokes are pretty juvenile, but they can also be incredibly funny to some people.
If you and your partner have a similar sense of humor, go ahead and let one rip.
Just make sure the timing is right—you don’t want to ruin the mood with an ill-timed fart!
15 Create inside jokes
Inside jokes are a great way to get your partner laughing at random times.
By sharing a private moment or memory that only the two of you understand, you create a special bond that can’t be replicated with anyone else.
It also shows that you’ve been together for a long time and have shared many memories.
Other people might look at you weird when you start giggling for no apparent reason, but that’s all part of the fun.
16. Watch shows or comedians you enjoy together
One of the easiest ways to make your partner laugh is to watch their favorite shows or comedians with them.
This way, you can get a good laugh and learn more about what makes them tick. It can also be a bonding experience that brings you closer together.
17. Don't be afraid to look ridiculous
You've likely watched couples before who are just ridiculously cute and loving towards each other.
But you don't have to be all lovey-dovey all the time to make your partner laugh. Sometimes, being silly and outrageous is the key.
Try dressing up in funny costumes, making goofy faces, or just acting strange.
Part of the fun of making your partner laugh is embarrassing yourself a little bit. Don't be afraid to let your silly, absurd side loose.
As long as you're both laughing and having fun, it's all good!
18. Role-play
Role-playing is another surefire way to get your partner laughing.
Pretend to be different characters and enact silly scenes that will crack them up. You can even pretend to be each other for an added layer of hilarity.
19. Roast your partner
Try roasting your partner in a good-natured way. Make fun of their quirks, their appearance, or even their intelligence.
Just make sure that you don't cross the line and hurt their feelings. Roasting should be all in good fun!
20. Goof around
Play games, wrestle, or just mess around like you did when you were kids.
The more physical and playful you are, the more likely your partner finds it funny.
21. Play practical jokes on each other
Not everyone enjoys pranks, but they can liven up any relationship if you do them well.
Try playing little jokes on your partner like hiding their car keys, swapping the salt and sugar packets at the diner, or filling their shampoo bottle with dish soap.
22. Look at old pictures together
One of the best ways to make your partner laugh is to look at old pictures together.
Relive hilarious moments from your past and have a good laugh at how ridiculous you both looked back then.
It's a great way to bond over shared memories about the good old days.
23. Be a little bit naughty
Raunchy humor isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it can be a great way to get your partner laughing if you're comfortable with each other's sexuality.
By joking about typically taboo things, you can create a special bond that only the two of you share.
It's also a way to show your partner that you're not afraid to be a little bit naughty.
24. Share memes with your partner
If you and your partner enjoy scrolling through social media during downtimes, why not share funny memes?
Find funny ones that relate to your relationship or just ones that make you laugh and send them to each other.
It's a fun way to bond over a shared sense of humor and keep the laughter going.
Related: How Does Social Media Affect Marriages And Relationships? 45 Facts And Statistics
25. Be yourself!
The most important thing to remember about making your partner laugh is just being yourself.
It will likely show if you try too hard to act like someone else. Just relax, be your silly, goofy self, and let the laughter come naturally.
Remember: your partner chose you. They love you for who you are, so embrace your quirks and have some fun with them!
Laughing together is one of the best ways to strengthen any relationship. So get out there and try some of these tips today!
