Laughter is Essential

Why do we have such a strong urge to be in the company of others? Even the most reclusive among us can only tolerate solitude for so long. I think part of the answer is found in the fact that we love to have fun, and having fun usually involves people. Laughter is a huge part of social interaction. When people gather to have fun they laugh a lot. We don't stay too long in any social situation if it's dull, boring or humorless.

Fun happens when people gather to tell stories, eat, drink, sing and laugh. No matter the size, composition or location of the social group, humor and laughter are vital to its success and continuity. The fact is that we don't want to continue socializing if it isn't fun to do so.

From a young age children have a strong sense of fun. When they come in from play we ask them, "Did you have fun?" We know the answer before they open their mouths just by the gleam in their eyes. If you ever ask them how they know they are having fun I am sure their response would include references to laughter.

It seems that we are designed to have fun and laugh, but something happens as we grow older that diminishes our desire to do so. I'm certain that stress, worry, anxiety and the burdens of adult responsibility play a part in this diminished desire. Whatever the reasons, adults do not laugh as much as they once did and their health and well being have suffered as a result. It is important that we learn to laugh again. nnn