Secret to a Happy Marriage
by Marriage is no joke, but it should be a laughing matter, according to a study in the Journal of Social Psychology.
In a survey of fifty couples, those men most satisfied with their marriage were the ones who scored high marks for humor, and the women who felt best about married life were those who appreciated their husband’s wit. The happiest twosomes, says researcher Avner Ziv, professor of psychology at Tel Aviv University, were “complementary” couples: “If someone loves to make others laugh, and the partner appreciates it, they’re both very satisfied.” In another study, Ziv found that a couple’s private jokes help foster a feeling of intimacy, even in public. Other research, conducted at Central Michigan University, in Mount Pleasant, suggests that today’s men and women have a lot more to laugh about together.
James L. Carroll, professor of psychology, writes in an article in Psychological Reports that modern college students of both genders find more of the same things humorous than did their counterparts 35 years ago. Carroll thinks the unisex funny bone may be the one of the bonuses of our more egalitarian era.
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Post CommentLauren Axelrod
On August 9, 2009 at 11:46 pm
I say humor keeps it together. Also, two totally different personalities.
Redburn
On August 14, 2009 at 11:02 am
I don’t plan to marry do not worry.
The Real Ghost of Teresa Fidaldo
Pedro
Kaz M
On August 16, 2009 at 8:09 am
So true!
Aldrin A Wilding West
On August 20, 2009 at 2:50 am
My wife and I have been to Hell and back since we married, and none of it our making. If we couldn’t laugh together and didn’t have pithy, healthy senses of humour, we’d have parted long ago through the stresses. Love and laughter need to be one. Totally agree with these studies. Well written short article. Thanks
Buzz
Michael Degenhardt
On August 25, 2009 at 10:12 am
I could not agree more, 16 and half years and going strong because we both no how to laugh and laugh at each other too. Well researched and written. Michael
LoveDoctor
On August 30, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I agree with the study. humor makes a big difference. good article.
Sharon - marriage preparation
On September 15, 2010 at 5:09 pm
I can honestly say that I am one of those who appreciates her husband’s sense of humor even when I hear the same jokes over and over and over. I wonder how life (and our marriage) would be if I didn’t. Good article calling our attention to the importance of this. Laughter really is good medicine.