"She makes me laugh. We have fun together." "Just being with him is fun." It's more than possible that the same person who brings a smile to your lips has soul mate potential. Let that thought percolate awhile and my hunch is that pretty soon you'll be nodding in agreement. Thing is, finding humor in the same things could be an important common denominator for building long-term partnership. (Not the only one, of course, but a key indicator of a shared worldview.) As human connection goes, that sort of harmony is nothing to laugh at. (Sorry. Couldn't resist the pun.) Seriously, though, when you can laugh with (yes, and sometimes at) each other, not much can come between you.

Please note that this sort of humor is a world apart from contrived one-liners on Comedy Central. I'm reminded of a years-ago brunch meant to introduce a beau to my brother and his wife, a meal that became two-hour captivity, turning the three of us into mute, glassy-eyed hostages to this chap reading from a typewritten list of stale, tasteless puns and jokes. (He didn't last long in my world — not because of his social deficiency but because he turned out to be a miserly, controlling meanie with a viselike grip and two rubber bands around his wallet. I kid you not!)

But returning to today's world: Spontaneous laughter shared between you and a special friend shouldn't be dismissed too casually as merely momentary coincidence. Humor can indicate a similar way of seeing life, which is a powerful bond. The ability to take a step back from life's trials and tribulations and give a loud guffaw at the absurdity of it all has strong appeal. My latest reader poll found "sense of humor" to be the most wanted trait in a partner. (That goes for both sexes, all ages, all stages.) Humor rocks!

Summing up: When the chips are down and the truth must out, it isn't her curves or neckline or his height or income that makes the final decision to love or not to love. (Although, they do give momentary pause.) It's the light touch — the wisdom to find the joke that's surely at the center of our universe and chuckle.

DEAR READERS: We've uncovered a treasure-trove of "Single File" paperbacks — in perfect condition, ready to read. Send $15 and your address to: Susan Deitz, C/O Creators Syndicate, 737 Third St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. I'll send you a signed copy.

Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at susan@single-file.com.

Photo credit: at Pixabay