Racer and I laughed together. We stumbled upon a tv comedy and we laughed and laughed and laughed! It was good for us. Too often in marriage, conversation and time spent together centers on family logistics, schedules, to-dos, kids, work stuff… Not nearly enough does our conversation include copious amounts of laughter.
Laughter is good for us. Good for our hearts and good for our minds and good for our spirits. Laughter is good for marriage too. Laughter helps reduce stress and tension and opens space between people for positive interactions. In our family, I’m not the funny one. I’ve even been accused of taking things too seriously sometimes. But I do love a good laugh. And for Racer and I to laugh together, there is something magical in the sound of our laughs mingling in the same space.
It’s not just me that notices it though! Research shows that there is power in laughter between couples.
Laughter establishes–or restores–a positive emotional climate and a sense of connection between two people, who literally take pleasure in the company of each other. For if there’s one thing Dr. Provine found it’s that speakers laugh even more than their listeners. Of course levity can defuse anger and anxiety, and in so doing it can pave the path to intimacy. (Psychology Today: read the entire article HERE.)
So, today I vow to laugh more with Racer (and with my children). It’s good for us. It’s good for the kids. It’s good for me.
When is the last time you laughed with your spouse?
Rev. Kris Mares 