You haven't learned to humor him in 45 years?

mrsconn23

Dear Prudence,

Low stakes question: My husband and I have been together for over 45 years. We have different senses of humor; I’m more dry-witted and he’s more slapstick. Most of the time it works, but sometimes he says or does something that I don’t find at all funny. He’s waiting for my laugh and I sit in silence. He’s hurt/mad that I’m not amused, and I’m amazed he thinks what he said or did is even mildly funny. Do I need to laugh at everything he says? Is there a better way to handle this? After all this time, you’d think it wouldn’t cause problems but somehow this can turn into a huge argument.

—That’s Just Not Amusing

charlotte989875

You can’t laugh once even at one of the almost funny jokes? 

banana468

Is this a hurt that you don't laugh or is he also just not funny and his jokes are falling flatter? 

levioosa

H and I cannn have similar humor but honestly sometimes I'm just like....wtf lol. But I still laugh at (most) of his jokes.

short+sassy

Unless what he says is rude or in bad taste, I'm not understanding why it is a big deal for her to acknowledge the "joke" with a small laugh or smile.  It's part of being polite, especially since she knows it hurts his feelings if she doesn't.

I also don't know why something this minor would ever lead to a huge argument.