Oh big deal. (And, yes I really mean that.)
Just to be clear: you don’t have to trade your quick wit to become some kind of killjoy! Well-intentioned and kind humor can always elevate the mood in any room.
It’s the cutting, biting piece that needs to go. Our research found that those who stopped using sarcasm (or used it less frequently) gained trust, honesty, and intimacy in their relationships. They also experienced greater gratitude, saw more of the positive, and improved their work and home environments.
Thankfully, if sarcasm feels like it has been your native tongue for too long now, rest assured it isn’t: The University of Calgary research also found that children don’t really “get” sarcasm until they are 5 or 6, and most don’t see any humor in it until ages 8 or 9.
In other words, we’re not born “speaking sarcasm.” It’s something we learn to detect, decipher, and deploy. Which means we can also learn to control it and even unlearn it where necessary.
And that really is a big deal.
Part 1 and Part 2 – and today’s part 3 – in this Nix the Negativity series helped you find simple solutions for common pitfalls that may be harming your relationships, consider picking up a copy of The Kindness Challenge to discover the other four negative relationship patterns – and their solutions!
And if you are interested in having Shaunti speak on kindness for your workplace, church, school or community group, please contact Nicole Owens at [email protected].
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