Humor

Fighting & anger can be less intense if couples can laugh at themselves and see the humor in it all.  Predicaments in life have a funny side to them too.  That is not to say that we shouldn’t take things seriously, but having the ability to see humor in certain situations makes for an easier time.  Couples who have a sense of humor stand a better chance – at least in my experience.  And when I say ‘humor’ I don’t mean sarcasm & making fun of the other person.  Those things are usually not funny if you are the recipient and/or if the situation is not lighthearted.  Your partner’s sensitivities should always be taken into consideration.

The following story exemplifies how humor can be very helpful.

After a hard day working E. finally sat down to read & relax for a few minutes.  When A. came home a short time later, he looked at her & said “woman, get into the kitchen & start rattling those pots & pans”.  He was joking but it took several days for E. to get it.  It was only when she told the story to a friend who began to giggle, that she realized that it was very funny and that she over reacted.  She began laughing & laughing, and it became a seminal story in how a sense of humor can help ease conflict & misunderstanding.

More to follow.