How Sarcasm Damages Relationships

Sarcasm is hurtful. The word sarcasm comes from the Greek word for “peeling off the skin.” It is an intent to hurt, embarrass, or humiliate.

When sarcastic comments become colloquialisms, the effect survives, even if the intention isn’t deliberate

Sarcasm mobilizes shame, which is the opposite of good self- esteem.

Sarcasm is for your health. The brain doesn’t differentiate between physical and emotional pain. Either starts the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response that produces cortisol, the stress hormone

Sarcasm shuts down the conversation. Shrugging and saying, “seriously” or “really” suggests that you don’t believe or trust what the other person is presenting. People who are not heard stop talking – one of the first signs of a failing relationship.

Sarcasm masks the truth from the sender and the recipient. It prevents people from exploring their feelings. If you can fall back on a smart remark to dismiss what might have been a conversation

Sarcasm is a stop on the following continuum from humor to verbal abuse. Humor> Sarcasm> Mocking>Insults> Verbal Abuse.

Sarcasm doesn’t stay put. It permeates the culture. It is in social media, entertainment, and news. Sarcasm that is acceptable in a family or friend group may sabotage relationships anywhere else.