A serious question about humour

FatHuMan1

When you ask a woman what she looks for in a man, a large percentage of them include "sense of humour" in their list. Often times it's at the top of the list, along with confidence, intelligence, looks, strength, and maybe a few others. Now, from an evolutionary standpoint I understand why women would be attracted to those other personality traits. They all, in some way or another, either offer security ( confidence, intelligence, strength) or is a sign of health (looks, strength, etc), thereby increasing the odds of propagating the species and carrying on their lineage. But what does humour bring to the table, other than the occasional laugh and smile. Why is it such an attractive trait. To women specifically, as I would posit that, although still attractive, it is not as high on a list of desirable qualities that men look for in a mate?
Any theories? If there are any sociologists on the boards I would especially be interested in hearing your opinions.

_John_

There's a reason what they're attracted to changes with their hormones (statistically speaking)

ThePlight

Because with humor you can communicate your feelings without either party being butthurt. Butthurt sucks, from both sides. Butthurt = bad relationships = b'bye "love".

InForBacon

I don't want someone with a sense of humor. I'm serious 100% of the time and need a man that is exactly the same.

seltzermint555

It makes people feel comfortable and at ease. Laughter is a great stress reliever. Taking things too seriously is often a problem for women and it's nice to have a man who can give a lighter view at times. Not all the time. But sometimes.

ldrosophila

Cause sitting around the fire at night, gnawing on your wilder beast leg, nursing the baby, listening to the wild hyenas, and looking at stars all night gets boring.

We expect the man to provide for many things in the relationship including entertainment. Plus, I think it goes back to an intelligence, social hierarchy thing.

SugarBaby71

You need a sense of humor for dealing with polar mood swings.
Also, have you never laughed during sex??? If you haven't, make her laugh -you'll get it. :bigsmile:

LLT57

Just from a personal point of view because I wouldn't want to be stuck with someone who would take themselves too seriously and be a miserable so and so. I like someone who can do "second degree" humour ie not take things too literally.

Holly_Roman_Empire

Because with humor you can communicate your feelings without either party being butthurt. Butthurt sucks, from both sides. Butthurt = bad relationships = b'bye "love".

This exactly. My husband teases and makes fun of me all the time, but it's in all in good fun because he does it in a way that makes me laugh.

It's good to note though, that it's important for a guy to have a sense of humor that doesn't get stale through the years. Keeping the jokes fresh are key. After 5 years of being together, my husband never ceases to amaze me with some of the things that come out of his mouth. :laugh:

sassypants0923

Because if you make me laugh you instantly become more attractive.. and let's face it, as we age our looks will fade, but we can always laugh together.

Timshel_

But what does humour bring to the table, other than the occasional laugh and smile.

I find people who have a good sense of humor are more positive, easy going, able to handle difficulties well, and generally are just more fun to be around.

Laughing is known to be some of the best medicine for life.

Holly_Roman_Empire

Just an FYI ladies: if you ask man what he looks for in a woman and he doesn't reply, "my penis", he's lying. Anything else you can offer is just a bonus.

If a guy told me this, I would laugh heartily and give him my number! You know, if I wasn't already married. Hehe.

poedunk65

Humor, now that's funny!!!

OllyReeves

Yes. In my experience, all women are looking for a guy with a good sense of humour. A good sense of humour wrapped up in George Clooney.

Failing that a 9 inch sense of humour with good girth and a big head.

ThePlight

Yes. In my experience, all women are looking for a guy with a good sense of humour. A good sense of humour wrapped up in George Clooney.

Failing that a 9 inch sense of humour with good girth and a big head.

I don't find George Clooney attractive.

sassyrayofsunshine

Just an FYI ladies: if you ask man what he looks for in a woman and he doesn't reply, "my penis", he's lying. Anything else you can offer is just a bonus.

for the win

TheBackStory

Laughter is a good thing. Think about it... I smile when I laugh, it's a genuine smile. When a person smiles, they are usually happy. Who doesn't want to feel happiness?

Synchronicity

Going out on a crazy limb here... but propagating the species/survival of the fittest requires a mate that isn't going to kill me before we can reproduce If he (we) can laugh at the ups and downs in life, both at each other and at the insane little beings we're bringing into the world... well, I figure that ups my odds of passing on those genetics.

Did you read about that lion at the zoo? Lioness must have made some bad joke and he forgot how to laugh.

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Pretty sure they've proven that being happy is good for your health.