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What tickles your funny bone?
By Emily Ratay — Written on Apr 11, 2019
The phrase "laughter is the best medicine" sounds like some hokey phrase someone made up, like saying "turn your frown upside down," but in reality, laughter IS actually some of the best medicine.
I mean, besides the scientific reasons why laughter is good for you, the simple feeling of gasping for air when you're with your best friends or how much your stomach hurts when you're watching one of your favorite funny movies is proof enough that laughter is always a good time.
But if the physical feelings you get after a good laugh isn't enough to convince you, the scientific reasons might. Having a good laugh releases endorphins, which are all the fuzzy, feel-good chemicals you can feel from your head to your toes when you're in a good mood.
Ever feel a little lightheaded and giddy after laughing it up with your squad? That's the endorphin rush boosting your mood. Laughter can also boost your immune system, relax your body, and even help you live longer.
In short, it's always a good idea to choose laughter – and a lot of it – over keeping it inside. One of my favorite people growing up was a girl I went to school with who always had a huge smile on her face. There wasn't a day where she wasn't smiling and, on top of that, laughing.
Anything and everything, and sometimes nothing at all, made her laugh. In fact, she was the one girl in class we knew was always giggling about something. I often still think about her and look to her as a role model when I feel like I'm taking things too seriously in life.
Just like everyone has different personalities, we all find different things funny. Maybe you're more into classic jokes and situational humor, or maybe you're more into dark and sarcastic humor. Whatever you like laughing at, remember to keep finding things that are worth laughing at because that's what will bring you relief when life feels too stressful or chaotic.
Trust me, we all need a reason to laugh in life. Here is what makes you laugh, based on your zodiac sign.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Physical and slapstick comedy – a la the Three Stooges or Buster Keaton – makes you laugh the most, Aries. You like the fact that people can push the limits of their bodies in the name of comedy – it inspires you to try new things yourself.
Anything silly and immature makes you laugh, too. As the first sign of astrology, you have a very childlike personality, which makes it easy for you to laugh at immature or goofy things that others might roll their eyes at.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
The thing that makes you laugh the most is situational humor, Taurus. You're a very perceptive zodiac sign, so you have a natural ability to see the humor in everyday life. Your ability to see embarrassing or awkward situations as funny makes you one of the funnier horoscope signs, too.
In addition to situational humor, you enjoy classic jokes, too. While others might find knock knock jokes or the like kind of boring, you know that tried and true comedy and classic jokes stand the test of time and are always funny.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini, you like the idea of telling a story with a good punchline, rather than a quick joke that's over before it can really begin. You know that humor comes in many forms, and it doesn't always have to be a silly joke to make you laugh.
You're also always full of witty anecdotes. People admire your ability to be naturally funny without trying too hard, and you're able to make yourself laugh almost as much as you can make others laugh with just a few words.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
You may be moody, Cancer – cue your dry humor side – but you know how to poke fun at yourself, too. You know you can be a bit much for some people, but you also know that life doesn't always have to be so serious.
One of the things that makes you laugh the most is yourself. Whether you're laughing in an ironic way, or you truly think something is funny, your dealings with family, work, or friends always carries a bit of humor.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
You like puns because they're honestly funny to you and no one gets hurt in the process, Leo. For you, humor should be lighthearted and silly, not meant to be at someone else's expense.
You also like stand-up comedy where you can be the center of attention. You're good at holding a room captive with your words, and having all eyes on you while you regale a funny situation makes you laugh as much as it makes your audience laugh.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Because you're so critical of yourself, Virgo, sarcastic and self-deprecating humor makes you laugh the most. You can't help but identify and relate to stories about making mistakes and messing up.
For you, sarcastic humor is a way to feel not so alone in the world. Knowing that other people are dealing with the same high expectations and difficulties makes you feel like you can handle anything.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Your high intellect makes you a pro at witty and clever humor, Libra. You don't like humor that's at anyone's expense – because how trashy is that? – but what makes you truly laugh are jokes and anecdotes that are clever and smart.
You know that humor doesn't just have to come from jokes and anecdotes, though. You might find yourself laughing at some of your favorite books or podcasts, too.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
The thing that makes you laugh the most is dark and often shocking humor that matches your dark personality, Scorpio. You're not afraid to get dark with your humor, and everyone who knows you knows that not everyone can relate to what you find funny.
You also like pushing the envelope when it comes to humor. As long as you're not afraid to back up your choice to laugh or find something funny, you'll let your love for dark humor take over.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
What you like most is letting yourself be silly, Sagittarius. Gross, inappropriate and oftentimes controversial humor makes you laugh because life is about enjoying yourself. People might roll their eyes when you tell jokes about gross stuff, but if it makes you laugh, you don't care.
You're also unafraid to tell jokes about controversial topics that might be touchy for others. That doesn't mean you know how to be mature or smart about it, but you still find yourself laughing at things that you probably shouldn't... oh well!
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
What makes you laugh the most is highbrow, clever humor with a biting edge, Capricorn. You're not above poking fun at others for a laugh, and everyone who knows you knows that they need to be careful around you when you start making jokes.
Everyone is at risk of being the butt of your jokes, Capricorn. If asked, you'll say that everything is in good humor, but that still doesn't stop you from being pretty biting with your humor.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
As an air sign, you relate most to cerebral comedy that's more about intelligence than getting a straight up laugh, Aquarius. Of course, you do love to laugh and have a good time, but you can appreciate intelligent comedy, as well.
In addition to highbrow comedy, you also like silly, over the top humor that's often illogical and a little stupid. Not everything has to mean something, and you're perfectly capable of busting a gut laughing at a silly meme or dumb comment made by your friend.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
The thing that makes you laugh most, Pisces, are inside jokes, sarcasm, and subtle humor when only a few people get the joke. Heck, you don't even mind if you're the only one who gets the joke.
In addition to sarcasm and subtle jokes, you respond well to silly humor, too. As long as it doesn't give you too much secondhand embarrassment, you like absurd, goofy humor because it gets big laughs from you.
Emily Ratay is a full-time writer living in Pittsburgh. She's passionate about the environment and feminism, and knows that anything is possible in the right pair of shoes. She plans on writing a non-fiction book in the future.