A lot of people think that good looks are all it takes to have someone crazy about you. If you are one of them, I bet you'll change your mind until the end of this article!
I remember the first time I was crazy about someone. Oh, I fell hard for this guy. You probably think he was popular and had that Brad Pitt charm and looks.
Well, he was actually the complete opposite, a chubby guy with curly hair and glasses, a huge computer geek. That's how everyone knew him. How did I fall in love with him? That's what everyone wondered.
The answer is pretty simple - he was funny as hell! The type of funny that makes you cry happy tears and leaves you with a stomachache.
He always knew how to make me smile, even in my worst moments of sadness. That was more than enough for me, to have someone with whom I could laugh all my worries off.
Turns out, science backs this up! To find out the science behind humor, the best way to use it and if that's a universal tactic that works on everyone, continue reading! I have the answers!
Sweep them off their feet with your humor
This study is proof that humor is the secret weapon of flirting. No wonder I've fallen for the guy! Looks like physical appearance is not that important as long as they can make you laugh! The main author of the study explains:
"People think that humor, or being able to make another person laugh, is most effective for men who are looking for a long-term relationship. It's least effective for women who are looking for a one-night stand. But laughing or giggling at the other person's jokes is an effective flirtation tactic for both sexes."
This finding confirms that being humorous is an advantage for both genders, especially when they are looking for long-term relationships.
What they also found out is that some men love women who will laugh at their jokes while women on the other end prefer guys who can make them laugh. Shocking, right?
Who knew my laughing could get me a man? So remember ladies, if you don't have anything funny to say, at least giggle at his jokes.
It also appears that it doesn't matter if you are in your 20s or 50s, Catholic or Christian, looking for a fling or to settle down - humor works on everyone! Researchers said:
"Individual differences in age, religiosity, extroversion, personal attractiveness and preferences for short-term sexual relationships had little or no effect on how effective respondents considered the various flirting tactics to be."
If you are still not convinced you should work on your jokes for the next date, the science behind laughing will definitely make you consider stand-up comedy for your profession!
So, what's the magic behind laughing?
Although our brains and bodies might seem complicated, the simple act of laughing can make a big difference! When you laugh your body starts producing this amazing cocktail of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine which flood your bloodstream.
They cause happiness and give you the feeling of closeness to the person responsible for causing this (positive) chaos in your body.
These hormones are basically guilty of making that guy look more attractive than he actually is. It's like all of a sudden, he transforms from Shrek to Prince Charming!
Someone tells a joke, you think it's funny and laugh, and the next thing you know, baby names and wedding dresses keep popping up in your head. Pretty crazy, right?
Finding someone attractive because they are funny also has something to do with the fact that you can't fake being humorous. Being genuinely witty requires intelligence and creativity as well, and those are all the things we find appealing in others.
Be smart and careful when it comes to jokes
The big thing about using humor as a flirting strategy is using it correctly. It can either make your date feel really good or deeply offended. This is why you need to consider what you're joking about and in which way.
It's easier to joke when you know a person well, what he or she finds funny and where is the border you don't want to cross. For example, you wouldn't want to joke about something the person is sensitive about or has some insecurities.
A couple of years ago I ran into a charming guy at my friend's party. He was very extroverted and easy to like. It all went great until he poked fun at one overweight girl.
It pissed me off and returned me to those awful moments when I looked the same and everyone teased me. I still remember that well-known feeling in my stomach.
The spark immediately went away and I was feeling terrible for the rest of the night.
Joking at your own expense can be a good start when you meet someone for the first time. It not only shows them you're funny but also confident and not insecure about what you are joking about.
So remember, humor is a powerful tool for flirting but only when used correctly. Test the waters first and then make them laugh until they wee or show you the engagement ring!
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