Are pranks healthy in relationships?

Pranks in relationships can be a delicate matter. According to Jordan Harbinger, while pranks might seem funny to the person initiating them, they can cause stress and be harmful if they overstep boundaries. He mentions that what may be intended as a small joke can end up causing significant stress for the other person, particularly if it becomes frequent or intense. It's crucial for the prankster to be sensitive to their partner's feelings and to stop if their partner is not finding it funny or if it's causing them distress. Harbinger also highlights how recurring pranks can reflect and reinforce unhealthy dynamics in a relationship, where one party may feel disregarded or belittled 1.

Overall, the healthiness of pranks in relationships depends significantly on mutual enjoyment and respect for each other's boundaries. If a prank causes one partner distress and this concern is ignored, it can negatively affect the relationship 1.