Some people, like my wife, will laugh a bit too often in formal communication, over banal things. If one didn't know better it would sound nervous. But I chalk

Some people, like my wife, will laugh a bit too often in formal communication, over banal things. If one didn't know better it would sound nervous. But I chalk this up to culture and upbringing. Apparently it's far less common in Germany to laugh after saying things, let alone your own jokes. It's as you say, some people work hard to ensure everyone else feels at ease.