For decades, (0) PSYCHOLOGISTS (PSYCHOLOGY) have been fascinated by the simple act of laughing. Although 1LAUGH might seem like a purely 2HUMOUR reaction to a good joke, research shows that it is above all a deeply 3SOCIETY behaviour. In fact, people are up to thirty times more likely to laugh when they are with others than when they are alone. Sharing a joke creates an instant 4CONNECT between strangers and can quickly turn an awkward first meeting into a relaxed conversation. Laughing together also helps us cope with difficult or 5STRESS situations, releasing tension and giving us an 6EMOTION lift. Long-term studies suggest that regular laughter with friends and family can actually 7STRONG our relationships over time, creating shared memories that bring us closer. Perhaps that is why, across every culture on earth, laughter is still considered one of the surest paths to 8HAPPY.