Sarcasm. Sometimes it can feel like the only way to get through the day. Especially, when people do things that are just begging to be ridiculed. I mean, really, what did your boss expect when she asked you the same question for the eighth time? A real answer?
And yet, as satisfying as slinging a zinger can be, it only works in the short term. Like a drug, being snippy will deliver a fast reward, but, potentially leave you feeling worse in the long-run.
So, what’s the best way to handle negativity from others?
Well, let’s first think about our goal. What we want is to be able to leave an irritating situation with our sense of peace intact. So, in order to do that, we must Be The Peace. Imagine this scenario:
Annoying Person: So, you got a new job? Yeah, they offered it to me first, but I turned it down.
What You Want To Say: Really? I didn’t know they offered jobs to people with impaired fashion- sense.
What You Will Do Instead: Take a deep breath. Remember how you want to feel, and smile. There really is no need to respond here, since anything that you say will likely be greeted with more negativity. If you can, now would be a good time to walk away, and make a mental note to try and spend less time with that person. And her ugly clothes.
However, if the offending person is someone who means something to you, then you might take a different approach. In this case, you want to be honest with your friend and tell her exactly what you heard in her sentence. You might say something like: “Hmm, it sounds like you are saying that the company would have preferred you over me. Is that what you meant?” This gives your friend a chance to either: a) recognize that what she said came out wrong and correct it; b) realize that she said something that she didn’t mean, or c) talk about what is really bothering her. Lots of options! Either way, the lines of communication will have been opened in a way that would not result from a sarcastic dig.
But let’s say that this friend continues to make these kinds of comments, even when you have made it clear that it hurts you. Then, what do you do?
In the words of some wise, yet, unknown, online author:
Letting toxic people go is not an act of cruelty,
It is an act of self-care.
Sometimes, in order to keep your space positive and healthy, it is necessary to let people go. And while it’s sad, we believe that it’s also natural. People come into your life for a reason, and sometimes, when that job is done, it’s time to move on. But, not to worry, that empty space will soon be filled by someone whose positive and uplifting energy matches your own.
If you would like more information on how to handle sarcastic or negative people in your life, contact us. We are here to help!