Making Friends / How to Build Stronger Friendships / Lesson 33

LESSON 33 · HOW TO BUILD STRONGER FRIENDSHIPS

Laugh Often, Laugh Together

Thirty-two easy ways to laugh often and laugh together, the happiest habit any friendship can have.

Laughter is medicine. Share it daily.

27 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

27 tips that really help

These ideas come from Daring Greatly (Brené Brown), The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Laughter bonds

Laughing together releases tension and creates closeness. Friends who laugh feel more connected and relaxed.

TRY THIS
Laugh more.

TIP 2

Look for the funny

Notice absurd, silly or sweet moments. A playful eye finds joy.

TRY THIS
Look for it.

TIP 3

Share funny things

Send a joke, a comic or a story. Sharing doubles the laugh.

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Share.

TIP 4

Laugh at yourself

Gentle self-teasing makes you relatable. Keep it kind.

TRY THIS
Laugh.

TIP 5

Plan funny outings

Comedy shows, silly games, funny films. Choose joy.

TRY THIS
Plan one.

TIP 6

Play games

Charades, board games and quizzes make everyone laugh. Easy fun.

TRY THIS
Play.

TIP 7

Be silly sometimes

Let your inner child out. Silliness is bonding.

TRY THIS
Be silly.

TIP 8

Recall funny memories

Retell funny stories together. Memories laugh twice.

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Recall.

TIP 9

Use humour in hard times

Gentle humour can ease pain, if timed with care. Follow their mood.

TRY THIS
Be sensitive.

TIP 10

Keep humour kind

Avoid mocking or cruelty. Laugh with, not at.

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Be gentle.

TIP 11

Smile first

A smile invites laughter. Start with warmth.

TRY THIS
Smile.

TIP 12

Make time for it

Schedule fun like you schedule chores. Joy needs room.

TRY THIS
Schedule.

TIP 13

Script: sharing

This made me laugh so much, I had to tell you. Say it brightly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 14

Script: recalling

Remember when we got completely lost? I still laugh. Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 15

Script: planning

Shall we watch a comedy on Friday? Say it cheerfully.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 16

Script: thanks

Thanks for making me laugh today, I needed that. Say it sincerely.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 17

Script: closing

You always brighten my day. Say it happily.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 18

Mistake: using humour to avoid feelings

Mix humour with real care, so be honest.

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Balance.

TIP 19

Mistake: forcing jokes

Forced humour falls flat, so be natural.

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Relax.

TIP 20

Mistake: sarcasm

It confuses and wounds, so be kind.

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Be plain.

TIP 21

Troubleshoot: when you are not funny

You do not need to be. Share what made you smile. Enjoy theirs.

TRY THIS
Be you.

TIP 22

Troubleshoot: when you feel low

Watch a funny film with a friend. Laughter can lift mood a little.

TRY THIS
Try it.

TIP 23

Troubleshoot: when humour differs

Find common funny topics like pets or food. Be gentle.

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Find overlap.

TIP 24

Troubleshoot: when life is too serious

Schedule a lighthearted hour weekly. Joy supports health.

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Make room.

TIP 25

Drill: send one funny thing

Send a friend one funny thing today. Add a line.

TRY THIS
Send.

TIP 26

Drill: play a silly game

Play a silly game with a friend this week. Enjoy.

TRY THIS
Play.

TIP 27

Drill: list your laughs

List ten times you laughed with friends. Smile at it.

TRY THIS
List.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

SHARE

“This made me laugh so much.”

TEASE

“You always do that, and I love it.”

RECALL

“Remember when we got lost?”

THANK

“Thanks for making me laugh.”

PLAN

“Let us watch a comedy.”

CLOSE

“I needed that.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Look for the funny

DAY 2
Share funny things

DAY 3
Laugh at yourself

DAY 4
Plan funny outings

DAY 5
Keep it kind

DAY 6
Remember funny moments

DAY 7
Smile first

Further reading

• Daring Greatly (Brené Brown)
• The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz)
• Platonic (Marisa Franco)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.