I wonder if you are annoyed that your bf uses humor as opposed to being serious is because of the TYPE of relationship it is. Its OK ("normal") for friends and family members to joke around because those types of relationships are comfortable, laid back, typically permanent relationships.

For example, under "normal" circumstances a sister wouldn't tell her brother, "I don't feel like talking to or having you in my life any longer. So, like, don't call me, or come over and oh, I wont be getting you a bday present any longer." Unless a friend does something truly horrendous (and you aren't 5-years-old), you don't just loose friends randomly or planned in such a cut and dry way. But...relationships like, bf/gf are more fragile and people CAN just up and walk away. They're also not laid-back, comfortable relationships and deal with more intimate subjects. Those intimate subjects probably make some/a lot of guys and/or girls uncomfortable and so they use the most socially acceptable defense mechanism : Protection by Humor. "Everyone like Humor, right??" seems to be a general consensus.

So, when you're wanting to see serious behaviors and hear serious commitment word choice by your significant other, and instead hear him/her joking about the "old ball and chain" it annoys you. As it would me. There are certain relationships, conversations, and situations that demand seriousness, be it heartful honesty, responsibilty and/or solutions. We except our counterparts to behave appropriately. When/if they don't we get mad, when they act as though what is important to us is comedic, its quite hurtful which leads to us getting MAD.

I agree with you in that I tend to expect those in my life to respond to my inquiries/requests/discussions without making everything a joke. But, I do also agree with Sara in that humor DOES bring a nice effect to life.

Interesting topic. Thanks for letting me run on and on.