Is Banter the Key to life?

I've been at University for 3 years now and in that time its come to my attention that the best way to have friends and keep them is through "banter."
Its like a secret code that only men understand, I dont mean that statement to sound sexist but I personally am yet to find a woman who can understand and dish out a suitable amount of banter.
That said women just like being bitchy so I guess thats there form of banter lol.

So the next thing is to explain what banter is. Wikipedia defines banter as-

" a non-serious conversation, usually between friends, which may rely on humour or in-jokes at the expense of those taking part. The purpose of banter may at first appear to be an offensive affront to the other person's face. However, people engaging in such a conversation are often signalling that they are comfortable enough in each others' company to be able to say such things without causing offence."

That about says it all to be perfectly honest but this definition makes it sound as though banter is something easily done mid convo' between "comfortable people." Banter is in itself an art for that If perfected can be your best friend, biggest ally and worst enemy. Definately a double edged sword, you gotta have the bad with the good and all that bollocks.

So what is the correct amount of banter? From personal opinion I believe that the correct dosage is purely dependant upon the situation, I myself am the subject of banter on a daily basis and I'm still learning how to give and take lol.
I could probably speculate on the correct amount all nite so I guess Its better give an example scenario.

I hope he wont mind me saying but judging by this picture its no surprise that this man hasnt been laid for a good couple of months, its not his fault he's not gettin any action but that doesnt mean that he hasnt been ripped constantly to the point of tears hahahah.
So in essence the scenario is set, the banter is has been in full flow for a good few months and the poor lad cant make a sexual inuendo without being verbally abused till he's huddled in a corner crying like Rafa Benitez the last time the title slipped through his grasp mid season lol.

This brings up the question of "Whats the difference between simply making fun of someone and banter?"

The answer is simple, any twat can make fun but only your mates can have banter with you. If anyone but your mates took the piss out of your mams weight you'd lay them out.

Finally I'd just like to say that I believe that banter is an ever evolving discipline that can and should only be stimulated by beer, mates and more mates so make as many as you can!