About Humor in Women and Men

Researchers have found that humor is very important in relationships. Both men and women rate humor high on their list of factors a mate must have. One survey of women found that a man's good sense of humor on the first date was one of the key factors necessary for a second date.

Although both men and women rate humor as one of the desired characteristics in a mate, men and women differ in how they use humor. Women like a mate who has a good sense of humor and who can share a joke easily, plus see the humor in sticky situations together. Humor is a tool women use to increase a relationship.

Men seek a mate who laughs at his antics and appreciates him and his humor. Men tend to use humor to raise their status, often by humorously "putting down" or insulting others. Men tend to play practical jokes or humiliate others and think it is funny.

A good sense of humor, cleverness, and high intelligence go together. Having a good sense of humor therefore may serve as a marker for selecting a mate who could be a notch above the other choices available.