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How Humor Can Bring Healing to Relationships
Having a sense of humor has an influence in the enjoyment of life, in relaxing, and in not taking the circumstances of life too seriously. As people of faith, we pray often, care deeply, and often have a serious side which is good and beautiful. Humor can add a sense of lightness and of happiness. It can break tension, and make the tough parts of life seem easier. Appreciating a good laugh and funny moments can also improve relationships in a variety of ways.
Humor Can Improve Marriages
It has been said that marriage takes a lot of work, and it is a true statement. In celebrating the Catholic faith and practicing religion, there is a sense of purpose, of prayer, and of being serious about the mission of marriage and family. This is a incredible thing. There are times, however, when life can become overwhelming and conversations at home are a struggle for most families. Adding humor and seeing the lighter side lessens the drama, adds laughter, and helps marriages to become closer. Humor helps couples to laugh more, love more, and even to pray more.
Positive Humor Brings Peace to Family Life and to Friends
When humor is appreciated in family life, there is less drama, less arguing, and better times. Good humor never laughs “at” someone but laughs “with” someone. Appropriate humor is not offensive or demeaning to any one person or group. It sees the funny areas of life which we can all appreciate, and it often sees the brighter side. Children, parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, co-workers, church friends and others can laugh in unison with others at the humorous, coincidental, and spontaneous happenings of the day and see the good in them too. Laughter can also be a prayer when God is invited in as people are joined together in the good,
Laughter as a Prayer
The next time you, your spouse, family, or friends experience some tension, remember that humor can lighten the conversation, bring healing, and help people to appreciate all there is to appreciate when God smiles and laughs along with us.
Dr. Anne DeSantis (ThD) is a dynamic Catholic author and speaker from the Greater Philadelphia area, holding a doctorate in theology from Pontifex University (2024). As the Executive Director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith (www.Nonnatus.org), she helps leads pastoral outreach to families in crisis. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Anne deeply treasures her Catholic faith and passionately shares it through catechesis, focusing on reaching out to the marginalized. She is also a member of the Catholic Speakers Organization. To learn more about her faith journey and mission, visit www.AnneDeSantis.com.
