Tired of being funny (or trying to)

Just what I said. I feel like my entire social life revolves around trying to be attractive socially, which makes sense, but the key to being popular is to be extremely attractive (socially), but only at a shallow level, hence the trying to be funny method. Once I finally feel comfortable around someone, I don't have to be funny anymore. Comfortable as in, if I say something really stupid or mean or arrogant, they won't stop being my friend. Not that I try to do that, but you know how sometimes you just plain blow it verbally? I do it quite often. Well with some people it could be a deal breaker quite easily. I guess it's a lack of mutual trust.

Anyway, I am starting to realize, and maybe I've always known, but I don't want to be popular at a shallow level. I want to be a likable guy right off the bat, just because I'm nice, I care about people, and I'm easy to talk to. Not because I'm hilarious, which I never even think is true anyway. So now the problem is, how do I resist the urge to say something witty at every opportunity, and even when there isn't one? It's hopeless! But I'll keep giving it a try I guess. Thankfully, there are some people in my life who encourage the deep, strong relationship, as opposed to the shallow funny one. I guess I'll just take notes from them.