As spouses, we too often forget to laugh, which is quite unfortunate. We admit to this, even though we know we shouldn’t. You've probably noticed this in your own marriage as well. Over the years, we've realized that marriage can easily lead us to take life too seriously. Once the initial excitement of new love fades, it's easy to stop laughing. We know we shouldn’t, but it happens. Dr. Seuss once said, “From there to here—from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” And it’s true! But we tend to miss that. We get so focused on making life work that we overlook the humor that surrounds us. So, here’s a reminder: “Laugh! Yes, don’t forget to laugh. It’s essential for your marriage. How easy it is to forget that! Victor Hugo said, ‘Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.’” And isn’t that true? We understand that many of you are facing challenging marriages and life situations where laughter seems impossible. Even if your spouse isn't giving you any reason to laugh and life feels heavy, we encourage you to seek out something that can make you smile and bring joy. It might be exactly what you need at this moment. Don’t Forget to Laugh "Warning Signs That a Marriage is in Crisis." One key sign is: IF THE LAUGHTER HAS DISAPPEARED FROM YOUR RELATIONSHIP, WARNING, WARNING, WARNING! This might not seem as critical as other signs, but don’t underestimate it. If you notice this happening, it's crucial to bring laughter back into your relationship. Couples who don't laugh together lose a vital healing component in their relationship. As Proverbs 17:22 says, "laughter (or a cheerful heart) is good medicine." Without laughter, your marriage can easily fall into crisis. "Laughter bonds people. Any good friend will tell you that laughter is the shortest distance between two people—especially in marriage." (Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott) Herbert Procknow said, "A well-balanced person [and of course, a well-balanced spouse] is one who finds both sides of an issue laughable." So, "Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." (Lord Byron) There are numerous reasons why laughter is essential in a marriage. Here are "5 reasons to make your spouse laugh," taken from the Internet article, "Love, Laughter, and Marriage: Why Laughter is Vital to a Healthy Relationship." But here are the reasons they gave: Reasons Not to Forget to Laugh Laughter encourages a sense of playfulness and shared abandon. Laughter creates a positive bond between partners. It helps to bring greater perspective. Laughter reduces defensiveness and makes you more open to new experiences. It acts as a buffer against stress. As someone once said, “If you don’t have a sense of humor, you probably don’t have any sense at all.” This rings true, as there are many reasons to find things to laugh about with your spouse. Laughter can sometimes defuse an angry situation. In the article "Reasons to Laugh, Each Day (and How it Beats Anger)," author Ed Welch shared an experience where he could have reacted angrily to his wife but chose humor instead. This became a marital “secret” that he and his wife are learning to use more frequently. Appropriate Reasons to Laugh While laughter isn't always appropriate, there are times when it can be the perfect "medicine" to prevent an argument. The Bible says, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam. So, drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." (Proverbs 17:14) and "It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife. But every fool is quick to quarrel." (Proverbs 20:3) So, when suitable, adding humor to a situation can help avoid a "dispute" or "strife." As John Cleese said, "A wonderful thing about true laughter is that it just destroys any kind of system of dividing people." Dr. Les Parrott, in his article "Why Laughter is Good for Your Marriage," points out: "Take it from the professionals. Legendary comedian Bob Hope says laughter is an 'instant vacation.' Jay Leno says, 'You can’t stay mad at somebody who makes you laugh.' And B.C. says, 'If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it.' Studies also reveal that individuals with a strong sense of humor are less likely to experience burnout and depression. They are also more likely to enjoy life in general — including their marriage." Additionally Odette Pollar said, "Laughter lets me relax. It’s the equivalent of taking a deep breath, letting it out and saying, ‘This, too, will pass’." Isn't that true? Laughter helps us return to normalcy, allowing us to see things more clearly and fostering optimism and hopefulness. Bob Newhart adds, "Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it, and then move on." “We could, and should, all make more time to recognize the immense value of laughter. We should actively seek opportunities to spread it. Whether it’s through sharing a joke, watching our favorite comedies, or posting funny memes on social media, let’s make a conscious effort to bring more laughter into the world.” (Rebel Jones). The takeaway we hope you'll have today is: DON'T FORGET TO LAUGH. Seek out the humor around you, even if you have to look far and wide. It could benefit both you and your marriage!