Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog post!
Humour is something we all experience, whether it’s through a shared joke with friends or a moment of laughter in a serious conversation. But beyond entertainment, humour plays a crucial role in how we interact and connect with others. It builds trust, strengthens emotional bonds, and even allows us to navigate through conflicts. This post explores how humour impacts our relationships by looking at the science behind laughter, the emotional response it creates, and the way it brings people closer by building trust.
As we have learnt from my previous blog posts, humour is much more than simply making someone laugh, it is a powerful emotional connector that builds trust, deepens bonds, and improves communication in various kinds of relationships. Whether it’s between coworkers, friends, or partners, humour can bring people closer by creating shared positive experiences. Laughter causes the brain to release oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding and trust. Due to this, laughing together makes people feel more comfortable, safe, and emotionally in sync (1). According to the Greater Good Science Centre, shared laughter increased our willingness to open up to others and be vulnerable, which is a key part of forming trust (1). In relationships, a shared sense of humour is often a sign of emotional closeness. Psychologists and relationship experts agree that couples or friends who laugh with each other more often are more likely to stay connected and navigate conflict successfully (2). Humour can also reduce tension and support healthy communication by breaking the ice or softening difficult conversations (3). In professional or group settings, humour transforms the workplace culture by making people feel included and building psychological safety (4). When used appropriately, it fosters collaboration, boosts overall morale, and encourages honesty and creativity. Additionally, it’s also crucial to understand that not all humour builds trust, as sarcasm or exclusionary jokes can make others feel left out or judged (5). Humour is most effective when it’s kind, shared, and empathetic. Whether you are working through challenges or simply enjoying time with others, laughter is the most natural way to build stronger relationships.
Due to this, humour becomes a bridge and something that allows us to cross emotional gaps, especially during difficult times. It allows people to shift from being reactive to being reflective. When we’re able to laugh, it softens the emotional intensity and reminds us of our similarities and shared humanity (3). Humour turns difficult conversations into manageable ones and makes it easier to repair misunderstandings (1). In leadership or teamwork settings, this can be extremely helpful as humour keeps the group dynamic balanced and encourages cooperation (4).
Ultimately, humour is not just about making people laugh, it’s about making people feel seen, understood and connected. It can break down walls and build trust in a way that words alone can’t (1). Whether it’s helping resolve conflict, easing tension, or creating joyful moments, humour is a powerful emotional tool that deepens our bonds and reminds us that we’re not alone (2). Overall, I believe humour plays a key role in connection-building, not only because it brings joy to our lives, but also because it strengthens the relationships that matter the most (5).
Resources and Links;
- https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_laughter_brings_us_togetherx
- https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-aging/the-health-benefits-of-humor/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/05/03/10-reasons-why-humor-is-a-key-to-success-at-work/
- https://hbr.org/2014/05/leading-with-humor
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/happiness-in-world/201101/why-we-laugh
