What Is Your Laugh Language? Humor in Marriage

In this episode:

Michelle talks with her husband, Phil, about the different types of laugh languages spouses might have. Phil brings his usual dry humor as they chat on their anniversary about how laughter has helped them keep their relationship strong for three decades.

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Inspired Life

In the first part of the episode, Phil and I talked about his sense of humor and how it's part of his DNA. We talked about the importance of having laughter in a relationship.

Life, Repurposed

I have observed other couples and mentally noted the contrasts in humor. Here is a good tip: if both of you are not laughing, it wasn’t funny or appropriate. In the episode, we went through some tips for how to know when humor is not ok. Then we went through each of the types of humor that are based on an article that lists humor personalities. In the episode we talked about:

  • Physical Humor: Think of slapstick comedy.
  • Bodily Humor: Surprisingly, this isn’t only funny for junior high boys.
  • Self-Deprecating Humor: Where an individual makes fun of themselves and their shortcomings to make others laugh.
  • Wordplay Humor: This includes puns and emphasis on unexpected meanings and usage of certain words.
  • Surreal Humor: This is based on obviously illogical and exaggerated stories.
  • Dark Humor: Making light of people and subjects that are considered serious or taboo.

Recommended Resources

Be sure to check out the page where we have some freebies, including a set of downloadable printable photo booth signs and discussion questions from the book.

Get the Classic Marriage book

Is your marriage a classic? A classic is something of high quality and lasting value. In a marriage there will be hours of maintenance work, tinkering, breakdowns, meltdowns, blowups, cute photo ops, wear and tear, overhauls, memories, vacations, celebrations, and repairs. There will be moments where you haul yourselves back to “the garage” for work. Like a trusty old truck, a classic marriage isn’t perfect, but who can put a price tag on it?

As the odometer climbs, everyday challenges leave behind rust and ripped upholstery. Dings and scrapes come with the memories. The odors left by spilled milk and stale French fries replace the new car smell. But even with a few sputters and an occasional stall out, that baby is still moving down the road. Welcome to real life!

In this book, you’ll find:

  • Inspiration, honesty, and self-deprecating humor from the front seat of adventure with Michelle and Phil.
  • Tips to get under the hood and keep your marriage on the road to a long future.
  • Tune-up questions in every chapter to work on your communication.
  • Tools for how to tinker with overheated emotions and repair broken hearts.
  • Witty comments from Phil – with a chance of dad jokes.

Get behind the wheel of your own love story, roll the windows down, and feel the wind in your hair as you keep that classic on the road!


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(Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) *This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links.

Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download.

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This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links.

Posted in Articles, Books & Resources, Podcast Episodes.