Laughter is universal, enjoyed by all races, cultures and people. Even little babies who do not understand words yet can laugh and comprehend other people's laughter. There is power in a wholesome dose of laughter and I believe it is important to keep laughter in your life. If you can make me genuinely laugh, there's a good chance I'll want to be your friend, and I think the same goes for other people, too.

Here are some reasons why I love laughter:

1. Laughter is evidence of happiness. Duh.

Isn't it funny to think how a sound produced by air and your vocal chords can be a sign that we have recognized as happiness since we were babies? I just love to see people happy because it makes me happy.

2. Sometimes it’s hard to not laugh at someone’s laugh.

We all know that one person who sounds like a horse trying to breathe after it swallowed a seal when they laugh. However, it's impossible not to laugh when they laugh, even if the reason they're laughing isn't all that funny. It's a great excuse to get your own dose of laughter.

3. Hearing laughter means something funny just happened or was just said — and who doesn’t want to be enlightened by a funny story?

4. Hearing laughter might mean I made someone laugh… SCORE!

It is literally the best feeling in the world when you make someone really laugh. Try it.

5. Hearing laughter means someone is taking the best medicine there is

I've heard it adds years to your life. Not sure if that's really true, but I know it adds life to your years.

6. Memories are probably being made because of that laughter

Laughter and happy times create memories that create more laughter later in life. It's psychology, folks. And common sense.

7. Some people’s smiles are beautiful… and laughter makes them golden

Yeah, your crush's smile is superb. But when they laugh your heart just explodes with sunshine and rainbows.

8. Laughter means you have a light heart and (I'm guessing) a good sense of humor

I'm always glad to see those around me stepping away from whatever dark feelings or moods they're experiencing and coming into the light that is laughter. And if you're laughing on what feels like a bad day, you probably have a good sense of humor. Kudos to you.

9. Hearing laughter might mean someone is laughing at themselves (and I congratulate those people).

Said something embarrassing in front of the class? I hope you laughed at yourself instead of hiding your face behind your textbook the rest of the class period. You get a gold star for not taking yourself so seriously.

10. Laughter is good for your health

Laughter can literally boost your health. WebMD even explains how the muscles in your face stretch and your body receives more oxygen when laughing, bringing your pulse up. So stay healthy with a bit of laughter along with your veggies.

11. "If we couldn't laugh, we'd all go insane." -Robert Frost

I'd much rather see you laughing (with respect to others) than see you go insane. So stay sane and silly.