Who Says Life Has To Be Hard?

Having a sense of humor and playfulness are vital to the health of any relationship. The ability to see the lighter side of life, helps us to cope with difficulties and keep things in perspective. In your relationship, how often do you smile? Does your smile reach all the way to your eyes?

If your relationship lacks joy, humor, laughing and play, then it is time for some serious reinventing. Some people mistakenly believe that laughing and play are childish. However, a healthy sense of humor is an important part of maturity. Play is not just for children, it can help us to relax, improve our brain functioning, get our creative juices flowing and just make life more fun.

Give yourself permission to have fun. Make a list of things that are fun for you. If you struggle trying to make this list and you are having trouble coming up with ideas of what you enjoy, it is all the more important that you pay attention to you. What is it that makes you smile? When do you feel the most relaxed and happy? Answering questions like these may give you clues to your own personal fun list.

Playing and laughing together helps couples connect and creates a sense of intimacy that will help them weather the inevitable bumps in the road. Perhaps the couple that plays together, stays together.

Many times in life we can see the humor in difficult situations months or years after they have happened. A valuable skill to learn is to find a way to lighten the mood in the moment. Don’t take yourself or life too seriously. SMILE. It can make all the difference.

Susan Derry, B.Ed., M.S.Psy., R.P.C.
Professional Counselor & Life Coach

Co-author of Marriage Prep: Beginnings a downloadable marriage preparation course

Co-author of Intimate Sex: Manual for Lovemaking, a sex manual for couples

Offers a free Nurturing Marriage Ezine