Sarcasm: A Form of Evil Speaking

I read an ensign article that really touched me. It's entitled "No Corrupt Communication".  It really hit home because I come from an overly-sarcastic family. We speak sarcasm. Fluently. Constantly. We know it all too well.  If I am to be 100% honest I used to think it was funny until I'm seeing its real effects. So much of this article rings true and it saddens me to hear how huge of a negative impact sarcasm has had on myself and those around me.  

Why are we so sarcastic anyway? Well, I think my family uses it to mask our emotions so we don't have to deal with them. We have a lot of emotional pain we swept under the rug having to do with my parents divorce, my stepdad, my dad leaving us, etc.  It all adds up little by little to an overwhelming amount.  It's extremely painful to deal with and confront so I think we've used sarcasm as a tool to cover it all up. That's my opinion anyway. Doesn't help that Tongans are really sarcastic in general. Probably because they don't like to show emotions either. (Huge generalization but it's my blog, my opinion.)

I will be the first to admit that I am GUILTY regarding all things sarcasm.  I have used sarcasm to avoid my emotions and hurt others, sometimes unintentionally because of how often I use it, without noticing most times.  It's funny if you're on the "dishing it out" end of it but hurtful and mean when you're at the other end. I know because I've been on both ends. 

I don't like how it feels and I don't want to continue this in my own family. I want to teach my kids to speak up when they're hurt, jealous, or embarrassed and talk openly about their feelings, good and bad. I want a home that is free of judgement and criticism.  This article is a great reminder that I can be better.  I know it won't happen overnight but I will do my best!  Especially for my kids!