10 Good And Bad Types Of Humor People Use With Friends Or In A Relationship

Did you know there are several different kinds of humor? Having a sense of humor is a wonderful quality — it makes you more approachable, fun, and easy to be around. But using the wrong kind of humor can backfire, especially if you don’t know where to draw the line.

You might think you’re the funny one who lights up every gathering, but could your humor actually be pushing your partner away or irritating them without you realizing it?

The Good Types of Humor

Good-natured humor brings couples closer. It creates a safe space where there’s no fear of judgment and no need to be defensive. The right kind of humor can make your relationship more exciting, strengthen your bond, and spark endless conversations. Here are five types of humor that can help you build a happy, loving relationship:

# Self-Deprecating Humor

This is when you laugh at yourself or use humor to acknowledge your own mistakes. It lightens the mood and reassures your partner that you’re not upset or defensive. Often, when we mess up, we get frustrated and direct that anger at the person next to us. But by poking fun at yourself, you admit your fault gracefully and turn the situation into a lighthearted moment

# Bitchy Humor

We’ve all complained about an annoying TV show or a frustrating friend. These “bitchy” jokes can be funny as long as your partner shares your opinion. When both of you laugh over the same thing, it creates a sense of camaraderie. Just remember — it works only when it’s mutual and harmless.

# Practical Humor

When was the last time you played a fun prank on your partner? A playful trick can turn into a memory that makes both of you laugh for years. But timing is key — practical jokes work best when your partner is in a good mood and can laugh it off easily.

# Childish Humor

Silly humor might seem immature, but it keeps the spark alive. Call each other cute names, playfully tease, or sneak in a harmless prank — like sprinkling a little water while your partner’s asleep. It’s all about being goofy together, as long as it doesn’t cross into mean-spirited territory.

# Situational Humor

This type of humor comes from finding something funny in the moment. It helps ease tension during awkward situations and shows your partner that you can find joy together, no matter the circumstances. When both of you use situational humor to support each other, your bond grows stronger.

The Bad Types of Humor

While good humor builds intimacy, the wrong kind can slowly chip away at your relationship, leaving both of you hurt, defensive, or distant. Here are a few types you should steer clear of:

# Sarcasm

Sarcasm often sneaks in when you’re angry or irritated. It’s a subtle way to express frustration while pretending to be calm. Though it might sound witty, sarcasm can make your partner feel hurt or powerless — especially if they can’t respond without escalating the situation. However, when used as a shared inside joke, sarcasm can bond you — but tread carefully, as it’s easy to cross the line from funny to offensive.

# Insulting Humor

Never hide an insult behind a joke. Making fun of your partner, their family, or a sensitive topic under the guise of humor may seem playful, but it leaves a lasting wound. Even if you say you’re “just kidding,” those words can stick.

# Cocky Humor

If your humor revolves around self-praise, it can come across as arrogant. For instance, when your partner asks, “How do I look?” and you reply, “You’re with me, of course you look good!” — it might be funny once in a while, but constant bragging gets tiring. Too much cocky humor can make your partner feel undervalued.

# Flawed Humor

If something about your partner bothers you, talk about it openly. Don’t disguise criticism as a joke. When you use humor to highlight flaws, it hits harder — your partner feels judged but can’t defend themselves because “it was just a joke.”

# Picky Humor

Teaming up with friends to tease your partner might feel playful to you, but it can make them feel small and isolated. Constantly picking on their choices, like mocking a shirt they wore or a mistake they made, can turn humor into humiliation. It’s not funny when it makes your partner feel miserable.