Why do we try not to laugh?

[Eternal Tomboy]

Good question....

I think I have to agree with most of the 'lees on this thread - it's both my stubborn streak and my natural love for the power play between 'ler and 'lee that makes me hold my laughter in. It's a knee jerk reaction, I just CAN'T start laughing right from the first tickle. I find that I will actually hold my breath for short periods of time so that I don't laugh out loud.

HOWEVER, even though I've always prided myself on being a tough nut to crack, there is no moment sweeter for me than when the 'ler does finally succeed in breaking down my defenses. When the first loud, steady stream of laughter escapes my mouth, and I have no ability to control my own ticklish reaction, it is absolute euphoria. So while I love to make the 'ler work for it, I hate actually winning the power struggle. Which, I guess, is strange when you think about it - it's the only "game" where I set out hoping like hell that I lose miserably 😀

But the only thing I have found that opens the flood gates (for me) is if I have a 'ler who can verbally warm things up a bit - crack jokes, make goofy comments, etc. I'm only as quiet as the 'ler - which basically means that a quiet 'ler has to work ten times harder to make me laugh. If the 'ler can get me laughing over some playful banter before he tickles me, the power play is usually over before it begins.

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

For me, there are a few reasons.

1. I often enjoy making the ler work for the reaction...kind of a battle of wills. It's part of the fun for me.
2. If they're hitting a particularly good spot, I don't necessarily want them to know....though a good/observant ler will usually figure it out.
3. If I let loose with reactions, I tend to wear myself out and have to stop sooner. Can't have that!
4. Control. Even though I can sometimes get into being pushed to that point, I hate losing control of myself...unless it's with a trusted friend, in which case, it's easier for me to surrender.
5. The masochistic side of me likes the fact that holding back tends to intensify things.

 

[tickletime4u]

I think it's simple, for a ticklish lee, tickling is an unwinnable game, but it's not going to stop them trying.