Sarcasm- The Double Edged Sword

I have a very sarcastic sense of humor and it can sometimes get me into trouble.  I assume that everyone knows of my sarcastic way of thinking (ah... assuming, I think I've found the root of the problem!) and that they understand that I'm really only "joking".

Laughter is my go-to or knee-jerk reaction to most things that are out of my control.  Grief, stress, anger... I can feel giggles bubbling up from inside as a sort of coping mechanism, so yes, I can be found, perhaps not out and out laughing, but a tense giggle at the most inopportune times.

I can only assume that I would laugh at a gunman who tried to rob me at gunpoint.  It would be funny to me, not that I could lose my life, but that I have nothing for him to steal.  My knee-jerk reaction would be laughter.  I know.  It doesn't make sense.  But I'm the one who laughs at funerals because I want to remember the good times.  I'm the one who tries to make others laugh in a time of crisis to divert the attention from what is causing them pain.  I am the one who laughs through my tears because I am at such a loss, and I am convinced that there is a silver lining somewhere.  Life is pretty funny, you know.  Irony can be downright hilarious at times... okay, for me anyway.


My sarcasm definitely stems from that, I think. It is easier for me to come back with a sarcastic quip than have to deal with the "real" issue.  They say that there is a modicum of truth in every sarcastic comment... I'm inclined to believe that is true.

For example, I have a co-worker who brings in tasty baked goods on a regular basis.  And every day, I yell at her (when I say yell, I don't mean raise my voice, I mean sarcastically scold) that she is trying to make me fat.  Am I really angry at her? No.  Do I think she is personally attacking my waistline? No.  But the pastries ARE there, tempting me and I COULD blame her for putting that temptation in front of me... testing me.... And until she realizes that I have a sarcastic sense of humor, she may think that I am really and truly angry with her.  Which is not the case. And that would hurt me immensely because I would never choose to hurt anyone's feelings.  But the words come out because it is just who I am and a lot of times I end up apologizing to those who don't know how to read me.

I am usually around people who can handle it and even play along.  Both of my children have a razor sharp sense of humor and I love the banter with them.  Whoo!  They keep me on my toes... so since I enjoy such clever conversations with them, I assume- there's that word again- that others can keep up as well.

Some people don't appreciate a good sarcastic wit and even I am annoyed when some take it too far, but as for me, I need to learn to reign it in until the people around me get used to me.

All this to say... You know, I'm not really sure.  I guess it's a PRE-apology for when I say something sarcastic and you're not really sure what to do with it.  Just know in advance it is sarcasm at its finest and that no harm is meant.

Have a great day... no really... have a great day, no sarcasm... (yes, I see the problem....)