Surprise is a key element. For example, in a story where a person thinks they are getting a romantic dinner but end up at a petting zoo for Valentine's Day. Another is miscommunication like when someone sends a love letter to the wrong person and the chaos that follows. Also, the use of humorous characters, like a clumsy Cupid who keeps missing his targets with his arrows.
Well, one important element is the unexpected twist. Imagine a story where a man plans an elaborate Valentine's proposal at a fancy restaurant, but right when he's about to pop the question, a waiter spills a tray of drinks on him. And the woman starts laughing and says yes anyway. Also, exaggerated situations can be really funny, like a couple competing in a crazy Valentine's Day race and doing all sorts of wacky things to win. And of course, relatable characters who do silly things in the name of love.
A play on words can be really funny in a short story. For instance, if a character named Ben is a baker and he says 'I'm Ben the baking man, I bake till I make', it gives a chuckle. Also, the reversal of roles, like a mouse chasing a cat, can create a humorous short story. Incongruity between the setting and the action, such as having a penguin at a desert party, is also great for humor.
One important element is the relatability of the characters. If the characters are doing things that people can imagine themselves or others doing in a silly way, it's funny. For instance, a story about a person trying to fit into clothes that are way too small for them. Exaggeration also plays a big role. A story where a man's nose is so long it reaches the other side of the room is bound to be funny. And of course, the unexpected twist at the end. A story that seems to be going in one direction and then suddenly takes a completely different turn is always hilarious.
Unexpected gestures. For example, in a story, a guy who is usually shy suddenly sings a love song in public for his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. It's cute because it shows his boldness for love.
One important element is the emotional connection. When two people are really in tune with each other's emotions on Valentine's Day, it can be very sexy. For instance, if they can sense each other's needs without having to say much. The way they communicate with their eyes can also be a factor. A loving and longing look can be extremely sexy. Also, a bit of mystery, like a surprise gift or a secret plan, can add to the overall sexiness of the story.
Often, there are mix - ups. For example, someone might order flowers for their partner but the florist delivers them to the wrong address. Pets can also be a common element. They might interfere with the Valentine's Day plans in a funny way. And of course, people's own mistakes while trying to be romantic, like burning the dinner they were cooking for their loved one.
One element is unexpected twists. For example, in a story where a rich man tries to buy happiness but ends up finding it in the simple friendship of a poor beggar. The contrast between his expectation and the actual outcome is both funny and profound. Another is the use of simple yet deep - rooted characters. A character like an old tree that has seen generations come and go can convey profound wisdom in a funny way as it comments on the silly things humans do. Also, a play on words or misunderstandings can add humor while also leading to a profound realization, like when a character misunderstands the meaning of 'fortune' as just money but later realizes it means much more, like health and relationships.
Humor in a short love story can come from cultural differences. If a couple from different countries start dating, they might have funny misunderstandings about dating customs. For example, in one country, a gift on the first date is normal, but in the other, it's considered too forward. Also, the use of pets can be funny. Say a girl has a big, slobbery dog that always jumps on her new boyfriend, but the boyfriend starts to love the dog as much as he loves the girl. And then there's the use of inside jokes. A couple that has their own unique jokes that they laugh about constantly, which makes their relationship special and also adds a touch of humor to their story.
Surprise elements often make a xmas story funny. For example, when a gift turns out to be something completely unexpected like in the story of the boy getting a mini - plush dinosaur instead of a real - life - size one. Another element could be animal antics. Animals not behaving as expected during Christmas, like the reindeer eating the Christmas tree, can be really humorous.
Surprise is a big one. For example, in the story about the man seeing spots and the doctor's reply, the unexpected response from the doctor makes it funny. It's not what you would normally expect in that situation.
Satire can play a role. When a short story makes fun of a common behavior or stereotype in a clever way, it can be funny and have that 'nasty' edge. For instance, if it satirizes people who are always on their phones by having a character so glued to their phone that they walk into a pool. Also, unexpected character actions. A character who is supposed to be a 'goody - two - shoes' suddenly doing something really naughty like stealing a cookie from a baby (in a very exaggerated and comical way).