Guys, has a girl's sense of humour ever been a SIGNIFICANT factor in liking her? (loving, hubby)

[adamsnez]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

I have to disagree with you. Actually, I find the whole 'girls not funny' thing a bit strange. I really do think it is cultural. Having been exposed to other cultures, the whole 'men are the jokers' thing isn't as universal as people believe. I don't fully buy the 'evolutionary explanation' either, although there might be a grain of truth in it. I'm talking about the idea that men being funny was an evolutionary advantage (I forgot the reason why).

Although you might be true in the sense that women tend to demonstrate their humour less in Western culture. I think part of the reason is that women are expected to be 'reactive', 'react' to humour, rather than be the initiator. That's why so few women seem actively funny. Being the supposedly more social gender, and since laughter and humour is such a big part of socialization, it just wouldn't make sense that women are a bunch of uptight dullard's in comparison. And I do think both genders find humour attractive in the mate. That doesn't mean male attraction is still not physical, but it can be a significant factor for some.

Fine. Disagree on a "worldly" level. But in Western culture, it's a proven science women are waaaaaaay 'down there' on the funny level.

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by adamsnez

Fine. Disagree on a "worldly" level. But in Western culture, it's a proven science women are waaaaaaay 'down there' on the funny level.

Yes, in mainstream culture, I agree. But I truly believe it has a lot to do with the type of people you hang out with.

Hang out with lesbians, artists, less conventional types.

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by adamsnez

Fine. Disagree on a "worldly" level. But in Western culture, it's a proven science women are waaaaaaay 'down there' on the funny level.

Women can appreciate funny, clever, intelligent humour too. Some men are pretty clueless about humour too.

If you can LAUGH at funny things, you're at least somewhat capable of making a decent joke from time to time. Unless you feel socially pressured not to be because that's the 'man's job.' I believe this might be happening in some cases.

[Raena77]

It isn't the "man's job" to be funny. Women do it all the time. It depends on persona.

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by Raena77

It isn't the "man's job" to be funny. Women do it all the time. It depends on persona.

Exactly. But you have to wonder how the 'women just aren't funny' idea came from, don't you?

How much of it is REALLY natural/innate?

What I'm saying is I believe very little, if at all. I know many funny women. It often comes with an un-selfconscious attitude which some women seem to lack. Or a HUMOROUSLY self-conscious attitude. These women can joke, take digs at people without being cruel. They are much more fun to be around. I think men who truly believe that most women aren't funny at all are just hanging around the wrong women.

[PhenomenalAJ]

Women generally aren't funny but I don't think that I'd find a plain looking girl sexy if she were funny, it's all about looks and presentation for attraction. I don't think it'd be fun to date someone entirely humorless tho because if you can't joke around then you'll get depressed. It's best for a guy to find a girl who thinks he's funny. If she thinks you're unfunny, it won't work out.

[Raena77]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

Exactly. But you have to wonder how the 'women just aren't funny' idea came from, don't you?

How much of it is REALLY natural/innate?

What I'm saying is I believe very little, if at all. I know many funny women. It often comes with an un-selfconscious attitude which some women seem to lack. Or a HUMOROUSLY self-conscious attitude. These women can joke, take digs at people without being cruel. They are much more fun to be around. I think men who truly believe that most women aren't funny at all are just hanging around the wrong women.

They probably hang out with snobby, or shy, stick in the mud women.
Although funny people need to be able to turn it off too. Who wants an immature baboon?

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by Raena77

They probably hang out with snobby, or shy, stick in the mud women.
Although funny people need to be able to turn it off too. Who wants an immature baboon?

Of course, not a total goof 24/7 who doesn't take anything you do seriously.

I just notice certain things though. The really funny women tend to be out there, say whatever comes into their mind types.

[Dewdrop93]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

Exactly. But you have to wonder how the 'women just aren't funny' idea came from, don't you?

How much of it is REALLY natural/innate?

What I'm saying is I believe very little, if at all. I know many funny women. It often comes with an un-selfconscious attitude which some women seem to lack. Or a HUMOROUSLY self-conscious attitude. These women can joke, take digs at people without being cruel. They are much more fun to be around. I think men who truly believe that most women aren't funny at all are just hanging around the wrong women.

Actually - the only place I've heard that is on CD. The only place I've heard a lot of ridiculous things is on CD... Hm...

[Stumbler.]

Originally Posted by Dewdrop93

Actually - the only place I've heard that is on CD. The only place I've heard a lot of ridiculous things is on CD... Hm...

For me, the first time I had heard of the "women are less funny/good comedians than men" idea was from an article (then discussed and raised some controversy) Christopher Hitchens had written in Vanity Fair in 2007 called "why women aren't funny".

Prior to that article which brought it to my attention (online), I had no idea there was any association/stereotype of gender with humour in our culture.