SET YOUR DIAL TO SMILE

The Laughter Effect for relationships

A good sense of humour consistently tops the “must have” list in a partner. As life unfolds, this can seem more like an unattainable wish, as shared laugh-out-loud moments might wane as stress and life’s obstacles get in the way. The Laughter Effect helps remind us of what’s important and why we fell in love with our partner in the first instance. It’s a potent way to maintain equilibrium, lessen stress and keep the relationship spark glowing.

Ten ways to laugh together

Make smiling eye contact. The pulse of our day is largely set the moment we first open our eyes and breathe in the energy of a new day. Set your dial to smile and encourage behaviour you’d like to receive in turn from your partner.

Schedule time for a shared laugh. Select a sitcom you both love chuckling through, listen to a funny podcast or go to a comedy show.

Share humour. If something funny happened in your day, don’t keep it to yourself – magnify its potency and share it.

Be present with each other. Avoid staring at your phones when you could be enjoying each other’s company. There’s a greater likelihood for moments of fun when you both live in the now.

Spend time with friends or family who make you feel good and bring out your laughter. Perhaps this isn’t possible all the time, but when there’s a choice, seize it.

Smile mirror. Sit opposite one another, stare the other in the face and see who can last the longest before smiling. Be prepared for the smiles to burst into laughter.

Wherever possible, avoid going to bed angry with one another.

Be kind to one another. Authentic and generous acts of kindness spark inner or outer smiles. Make the many micro moments of the day count. Offer to make your partner a cup of tea or coffee, or share chores.

Give each other endearing and fun pet names. It’s amazing how enduring pet names can be.

Be game. Dedicate an evening to play – trivia games, Scrabble, Bananagrams, Rummikub – whatever you both find fun and entertaining. Where there’s play, laughter’s not far behind.