I find that the more I thrash around, I have less of a need to laugh. When someone tickles me, there is a need for SOME kind of release, and if I use up that release physically (by either fighting, wrestling, or just thrashing) then I can usually cover up my ticklishness by not laughing out loud. I'm not sure why I feel the need to give the 'ler a hard time (by making him work for the laughs), but I think my MILE LONG stubborn streak may have something to do with it 😉
I have also been known to grunt, curse, yell, and try to control my breathing. I tried "lamaze" breathing once, and when my husband saw what I was doing he cracked up and said "oh yeah, go ahead, LAMAZE the tickles away...that'll work." When he said that, I lost it. Often times a humorous 'ler defeats any and all attempts on my part to play it cool. So, I guess my tactics will work only if the 'ler keeps his big mouth shut!! 😀
Maggie