Laughter as a foundation for healthy friendships isn’t a new idea, of course, but how yesterday’s chuckle can affect next month’s deal is brand new, says study author Todd Kashdan, professor of psychology at George Mason University, and author of Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Positive Psychology. “Laughter is one of those responses that gives us objective evidence that someone is interested in what we have to say or vice versa,” he explains. As for how a laugh influences opinions days and months down the line, “This is what we call a carry-over or spill-over effect,” says Dr. Kashdan. “After the laugh, something changes in our attitudes and we grow to expect benevolence later, and act as if this is true.” More from Prevention: 8 Friends Every Woman Needs
