(Principles are basic truths that, when applied, cause success to come to you easier and quicker.)

 

Thomas Leonard once observed that sarcasm is a socially acceptable form of anger. Agree with the “acceptable” part of that or not, but there is a clear underpinning of anger to sarcasm, powering it even.

Some families, friends, and forms of ‘humorous’ entertainment, use sarcasm in their communications. Usually with a grim sort of smile. A smile, any humor within having long left, masking the anger.

So the idea here is to look openly at sarcasm.

Is it really funny? Is it useful? Or is it hiding something wanting to surface and be healed?

There is nothing wrong with anger. It happens. But it’s expensive. It grinds and consumes. It drains.

So does sarcasm.

 

Coaching Point: The next time you hear, or use, sarcasm can you pause and look the underlying anger in the eye? And choose to heal it?

 

Copyright 2013 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.