“When you’re laughing, when you’re laughing, the sun comes shining through” are lyrics to the song When You’re Smiling, immortalized by Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra. And they got it just right: Real, spontaneous laughter between two people can signal a truly happy connection.

Researchers at the University of Kansas learned a little something extra while searching for a link between humor and intelligence. It seems that if you meet a person you find romantically appealing and try to break the ice with humor you’re set up for a fast thumbs up or thumbs down. (The study looked at guys using that approach, but we say man, woman, gay, straight, it matters not.)

You see, if the other person laughs at what you’ve said, chances are very good that he or she is interested in getting to know you better. The real deal-sealer? If the two of you end up laughing together.

What’s the magic in mirth? The theory is that laughter releases feel-good neurotransmitters such as endorphins, reduces stress, benefits the cardiovascular system (listen to your heart beating just a touch faster) and is a source of positive energy.  

 So, if you’re going solo and want some laugh-time benefits, we suggest you consider Laughter Yoga! That’s right—pose, stretch, giggle, repeat! And if you and a potential love interest have a howling good time at laughing yoga class together, well, we think it might be time to start measuring for new curtains!