You must have heard of the phrase, "Laughter is the Best Medicine". This holds true even in relationships. This is primarily because laughter has the ability to bring people closer. Humor and laughter are essential elements in a strong relationship.
A sense of humor and the ability to laugh together keeps relationships alive and vibrant. One is automatically attracted to people who are happy and funny. When you laugh with people you create a bond. This bond protects your relationships from depression, stress and disagreements.
Sometimes it is easier to start talking about a serious subject by introducing it using gentle, playful humor. It is easier to take things in your stride and steer your way through disappointments when you maintain a sense of humor. If you take a look at hopeless situations with an open mind and a sense of humor, the chances are you will not find them as frustrating or bleak.
Humor and laughter do make a relationship stronger but both partners need to be clued in to the joke. A one-sided joke can actually be damaging for your relationship. If your partner does not find the joke amusing stop pursuing it and change tack.
You can use humor tactfully to lighten a conflict. It can actually provide an opportunity for you to lighten up and get your point across without hurting the other person's feelings. Humor helps to ease out the tension and lets you see a problem in a new perspective. In a playful setting, you will tend to be less defensive so you will be willing to hear something you may normally find unpalatable. Laughter also helps to open up and allows people to express themselves more freely. This in turn allows sincere and honest emotions to surface.
Do not however make the mistake of trying to cover up your real emotions with humor. Laughter should not be used to hide feelings of pain, disappointment or hurt. This just leads to mistrust and confusion in relationships.
If you are uncomfortable using humor or displaying your funny side keep in mind that the more you play, joke around and laugh, the better you will be at it. Once you identify those activities that you find enjoyable, try and incorporate them in your day to day life. Avoid being self-conscious about how you look or sound. Shed your inhibitions and stop worrying about how other will react. It will help you loosen up and build deeper, more meaningful relationships.