One of the key elements of compatibility is your sense of humor. Laughter is a sign of a healthy relationship because being able to laugh at yourself is just as important on the 'couple' level as well as the 'individual' level. Not only does a similar sense of humor show compatibility but it helps the couple build a private language that will help strengthen the bond between them.
Compatibility in sense of humor rests on what each individual finds offensive and where to draw that line. Most guys love their fart jokes and some of them will find farts funny at any age. Some women will appreciate a good fart joke whereas others might find it incredibly offensive and rude.
Some men also just want a woman who will laugh at THEIR jokes.
Then there are the jokes that go over the other person's head because the reference is way too obscure and/or specific.
Before cracking out the jokes, do a litmus test for your (potential) partner's sense of humor.
Once you establish that you have a similar sense of humor, you have to decide whether or not you are ready to show that side of you to your partner.
Which side?
The side of you that lets loose when something is hilarious, and while you are laughing, you may wheeze, snort, drool and/or look even more ridiculous than words can describe. Moreover...are you ready to let that side of you show in public when you're on a date?
If you are, then go ahead and set-up a date to a comedy show. You can hide your giggle-face in the darkness of a movie theater when you go see a comedy or a romantic-comedy.
Do you dare to bare it all at a comedy show where even the comic on stage might be able to see you and call you out on it?
If so, here are some upcoming shows for those of you who dare to laugh:
Ralphie May (February 12, 2010, 8:00 p.m.) at the Lisner Auditorium (GWU) in Washington, D.C.
Lewis Black (February 19, 2010, 8:00 p.m.) at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, Md.
George Lopez (February 26-27, 2010, 8:00 p.m.) at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C.
Mike Epps (February 27, 2010, 7:30 p.m.) at Dar Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. and at the 1st Mariner Arena (March 20, 2010, 8:00 p.m.) with Bruce Bruce in Baltimore, Md.
Also check out the DC Improv schedule for upcoming acts!
What is your sense of humor? How important is sense of humor for you in a relationship? Is it, or could it be, a deal-breaker?
Comments
Sense of humor is a must!!! Unless he is capable of rolling with my sometimes 5-year-old goofyball alter ego things are not going to work out.
Sense of humor is actually a make it or break it factor for me.
I love to laugh so much that if he doesn't share my sense of humor, the relationship will fail.
Great topic! I have a great sense of humor and if the guy does not have one, well....it gives me a snapshot of what our relationship will be like.
Are you currently in a relationship? Your columns sound more like someone who is observing how relationships can be than someone who actually is engaged in a meaningful, healthy relationship. For instance, the only article actually about being in a relationship was about someone losing their job. Like others have said, you can't just ignore someone losing a job and not having a fall back plan in place, unless you are just so desiring of acceptance from another that you will take what you can get. Personally if my significant other lost their job, was not willing to do want it took to meet their financial obligations or maintain their end of the relationship, no amount of fund-raising dates or a sense of humor could make up for their lack of responsibility. I was really looking forward to a fresh take on dating in the District...a city where everyone is so self-involved that its difficult to make time for others..and you really aren't providing that.
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