Staying close with all of your friends can prove to be a difficult task. With so many different communication styles, you and one of your buds are bound to clash at some point. If you’ve been having trouble with a friend fluent in sarcasm, there’s no need to panic. You can still stay as thick as thieves while communicating how you feel. Best of all, you’re likely to end up with a stronger bond than what you shared in the first place. Here are a couple of easy ways to let your friend know what’s going on while still remaining kind and respectful.
Pick the right time
Timing, timing, timing! Timing is so important as it serves as the foundation for productive communication. Try to plan a time to talk to your sarcastic friend in-person. A lot of tone, inflection, and facial expressions are missed when talking over text, which is crucial for a successful interaction. Make sure that you confront your friend individually and not in front of the rest of your friend group. Try not to be accusatory. Instead, focus on communicating how you feel. For example, you could say something like, “I felt embarrassed when you made that joke because…” That way, your friend is much more likely to be receptive to what you’re saying.
Be straightforward
When you do confront your friend, try to be as direct as possible. Confrontation is difficult for everyone, but it’s important that you spill all the beans so that your friend understands exactly where you’re coming from. If you’re nervous beforehand, you could write out your feelings to properly collect your thoughts.
Don’t assume or talk behind your friend’s back
You know what they say about people who assume! Your friend very well may not know how their sarcastic comments are affecting you. Make sure to give them the benefit of the doubt and not talk behind their back. Instead, focus on preparing a time to talk face to face with your semi-sarcastic pal.
Reevaluate your reaction
If it isn’t a huge hindrance, you could try ignoring their sarcastic comments whenever they come up in conversation. We only have full control over the way we react to others, so do your best to see if there’s any way for you to ease the tension while talking to your pal.
Admitting that it isn’t for you is okay
If you’re not ready for a full confrontation, there’s nothing wrong with admitting that you don’t get your friend’s sarcastic comments or jokes. After all, you and your friend can’t be expected to share everything. Should you let your friend know that you simply “don’t get” their sarcastic jokes, they are likely to stop sharing these specific comments with you, which allows the issue to take care of itself. It’s okay not to agree on everything 100% of the time. If that were the case, we could only be in relationships with ourselves.
Communicating honestly and openly with your friends can be difficult, but it’s one of the best ways to grow closer and develop a tight bond with your buddy. Remember, your friend is likely happy to make small adjustments in their behavior to facilitate a stronger bond. Set up a time to talk, and remember, you’ve got this.
