Our laughs are more varied than you think

LOS ANGELES - Some laughs have us rolling on the floor, while others are more subdued. Do you know why you laugh the way you do?

Laughs are unique to every person and situation. Behavior Expert Judi James believes "If you look at the body language of [a person's] laugh, you can often read aspects of personality, like social suppression, extrovert behaviors or aggression.”

Research also suggests there are two main kinds of laughter. Helpless, involuntary laughter and social, communicative laughter.

Belly laughs and snort laughs are obviously involuntary. Just ask the kid with soda coming out his nose. He’s not alone though. Roughly 25 percent of women and 33 percent of men laugh through the nose.

Social laughter isn’t necessarily fake, however, and is an important part of communication. It can express agreement, and can also help us get through uncomfortable moments like a job interview. Though it doesn’t mean it will help you get hired.

Regardless of what kind of laugh you have. Laughter is contagious. According to neuroscientist Dr. Sophie Scott, “You can catch laughter from somebody else, and you are more likely to catch laughter off somebody else if you know them.”

And to top it off, laughter releases endorphins which make us feel good.