Q.
My spouse is always so sarcastic. At times, it’s funny, but sometimes it sort of hurts my feelings. Should I tell him?
A.
Sarcasm is tricky. On the one hand, it is funny. On the other, those barbs can be sharp. Whether or not your spouse’s snark is innocent, you should speak up: “When you say (blank), I feel (blank).” Your spouse will likely be defensive at first (“How can I change my whole sense of humor?”), but ultimately, concern for your feelings should win over. After all, you’re not trying to kill all the funny—just the zings that sting.
Jan 18, 2011