Humor

I love humor. Although my sense of humor is cornier than most of society prefers. However, humor can be used in a variety of situations in order to ‘lighten the mood.’ Humor can be a powerful coping skill that helps those are depressed or anxious be able to alleviate moments of their overwhelming emotions. 

While there should be times to take things seriously, there also needs to be time to use humor appropriately in order to help yourself and others. Humor can be used in conversations to help facilitate emotional connections. Laughing together creates a bond.

Think about babies. Babies react to the emotions around them. They pick up on those emotions quickly. They learn to smile because others smile at them. They smile back when they see you smile. They laugh because you are laughing. They continue to do this through their toddler years as well. However, if you are mad, their emotion is confusion and fear – not anger.

I’m not saying that we has humans never develop past our basic emotional responses that we have as infants. But what I am saying is that we bond over positive emotions and experiences. Humor can bring these positive emotions and connections as well as experiences into a relationship faster. 

That doesn’t mean that you have to be a funny person. Share funny stories or jokes. Watch comical movies or shows together. Light hearts can make communication go easier because your mood is happier and you are more connected.