Question #3: Do you use sarcasm to score points?
Solution: Practice building others up.
We’ve all heard the compliments that aren’t compliments.
Nice going.
Smooth move.
Thank you, Nostradamus.
We and everyone else in the room may be chuckling while we say it. But if we’re regularly flashing cutting wit at the expense of others’ feelings – especially if our subconscious aim is to score points or even put them in their place – it won’t feel good in the long run.
Sarcasm functions like a thermostat. Almost any room will adapt to a lower standard of biting behavior. In fact, researchers at the University of Calgary found that family members seem to “catch” sarcasm from one another. Some families relied on sarcasm heavily, and others not at all – showing that use of sarcasm in families may be related to … well, use of sarcasm in families.
Thankfully, the reverse is also true. Try elevating the mood of your home, work environment, or friend group with positive comments. Just as sarcasm is contagious, so is conversation that builds others up.
Replace nice going with “I can see you tried and I appreciate you.”
Trade smooth move for “It will be okay! Here, let me help.”
And nix thank you, Nostradamus in favor of “I love how you try to anticipate things.”
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