Today I read this article from The Associated Press on the science of laughing. I liked this line: "It's joy, it's positive engagement with life,"
But I was a little concerned by this line:
"The requirement for laughter is another person."
Because I laugh by myself all the time. Yesterday I was cleaning the kitchen with the news on TV in the other room and a woman said "George and Barbara Bush have been married 65 years." I immediately said to myself, "65 YEARS?!? Well that makes them entitled to a letter from the president." And this struck me as hilarious and I laughed out loud.
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In case you didn't know, if you reach the age of 80 or reach a wedding anniversary of 50 years, you can send for a letter from the president. My first husband's grandmother had a framed letter hanging on her wall from Reagan congratulating her husband and her on their 67th wedding anniversary. And the thought of the Bushes sending off for a 65th anniversary letter from Obama was just way too funny.
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So why did the scientists say, "The requirement for laughter is another person."? Did the news announcer count as the other person? Or do I have two persons in my head? That can't be good. But it's kinda funny.
9 comments:
You and me both. I laugh out loud by myself regularly. The author obviously has no sense of humour.
I laff by myself all the time...well some of the time anyway.
Not only does laughing out loud not require another person, it doesn't even require an outside stimulus - like a radio or TV show or book. Sometimes you can just tell yourself funny things in your head and burst out laughing. Right? .....Right???
Well, you are a funny....why wouldn't you laugh?
I wonder if the really mean some kind of input--Reading or Radio, TV, or a film....or now, The Internet....I laugh out loud all the time by myself, but it is usually in response to something coming in to my sphere from the outside, like someone's Blog, or a TV Show, etc....I can easily see how you could be alone and laugh....lol!
I can put myself in stitches, as it turns out. And often do. But, I don't like watching comedy solo.
Jazz,
~~Most scientists have a great sense of humour. I'd like to think he misspoke.
Mr. Jazz,
~~And the other times?
Xup,
~~YES!
LGS,
~~I always laugh.
Naomi,
~~You never laugh at your own thoughts?
Ian,
~~That's interesting about the comedy watching. You prefer the shared experience. It is better.
laugh all the time. it just feels so good!
Hi Ed!
~~Thanks for dropping by and yes I totally agree!
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