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Why do we laugh? Is it a silly pun, riddles, amusing stories, anecdotes, funny one liners, silly quotes, hilarious jokes, dirty jokes, clean jokes, a commentary on world politics?

Maybe it's the comic who jokes about his funny experiences as a child or the comic who amuses you with his raunchy x-rated humor. Or is it the slapstick of some up and coming comic who tickles your funny bone. Maybe it's the dry wit of a political humorist or the silly antics of a young entertainer. According to leading psychologist people usually respond with laughter to anything that disrupts their comfort zone. Most successful humorist know this and use this fact to strike a chord with their audience.

Leading psychologist also further explain laughter is a product of evolution. We laugh to release hidden fears, a rise in tension. Laughter is a pressure release valve. Accordingly, laughter is a natural tool to protect ourselves against uncomfortable emotions. Remember an uncomfortable situation where the tension was so thick you could slice a knife with it. Soon the sound of laughter released the heavy situation and lightened the load tremendously.

Think about very young toddlers. What makes them laugh? Anything that surprises. A funny sound. A funny face. And they giggle like crazy.

When we are pre-teens we find puns, riddles, silly jokes about school, teachers, friends, very amusing.

Teens find jokes about the opposite sex, authority figures, or anything parents would find offensive very funny.

When we mature into our twenties and thirties our sense of humor matures. We develop a more sophisticated intellectual humor. Funny stories amuse us or stories with a twist or double meaning.

When we mature beyond our forties our sense of humor is more about the life experiences we share, about culture, and community. And consequently it will take sophistication plus matured intelligence to understand the deeper meaning of humor at this stage.

At this stage many people might find your political jokes, world affairs jokes, or the joke on the decline in morality strikingly humorous. Where as a teen or individuals in their twenties would fail to comprehend your humor.

Perhaps the most encouraging thing about laughter or humor is that it is contagious. Start your day with a smile and a good dose of humor. Share it with those around you!

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