Can laughter be brought back into a relationship ?

[KirstyWirsty]

How can laughter be brought back into a relationship when it has been missing for a while? Any handy tips?

I think laughter is one of the most important aspects of a relationship - it not only keeps it fun, but sense of humour is a really good coping strategy through difficult times.

How long has the laughter gone? Is it just laughter or fun in general?

I guess try and think back to the things that you used to share laughing with each other. Was it nights out that you have stopped having? If so, maybe a babysitter and a drunken night out just the two of you? Even if it's just to your local.

Also, maybe have a "night off" a week from talking about every day stuff - so a night where you are both banned from talking about finances, the kids etc. Me and my partner does that and it works well - it means you have to make a bit of an effort with the conversation and it feels quite special - almost date like, although that sounds cheesy I know!!

Not sure that helps.

If you've stopped having a laugh together then you're stressed or you're not liking each other much these days. So yes, get some quality time alone together - do whatever it takes to sort it - and you will hopefully rediscover what it was you liked about each other in the first place. Just try to relax with each other a bit - I know what it's like when you get so wound up with everyday shit that it's incredibly hard to switch off. Go see a comedy film, then have a drink out or something.

I agree with munkeychops - date nights, even if you can't go out yet, really boost relationships.

Do you have a wii or similar? Finding a game you can play together once the dcs are in bed can be a laugh. Mario Kart is always good for us

Watching funny films together or stand up comics together can be a start if it doesn't come naturally between you to begin with.

Gentle teasing (and I mean gentle) can also help and a little bit of flirting can bring a giggle too - especially if it is a bit furtive

It doesn't come instantly but it does build over time.

A little bit of booze (but not too much) can also soften the edges if you are bit tired and stressed with each other.

Playing scrabble or draughts etc also helps (with the tv off)

Buy Firefly - the Joss Whedon series from Amazon.