Situation · Family and friends

“My friend puts me down with jokes”

What could be going on

Sarcastic: Fits if the humour carries hostility they won't own.

Passive aggression: Could be anger in disguise; check whether they deny it when you object.

Envy disguised as critique: Check whether jokes target what you're proud of.

Contempt: Fits if you sense they look down on you; check for eye-rolling and dismissal too.

Humour as deflection: A milder cause: banter may be how they handle closeness; check if they stop when asked.

Questions to carry

  1. When the last joke landed, who was there, and what had I just shared?
  2. In the second after the joke, what do I feel, and what do I do with my face?

Also said as

  • he makes digs at me and says it's only banter
  • my friend's jokes always have a sting
  • she mocks me in front of others then says lighten up
  • why does my friend humiliate me as a joke
  • friend makes fun of me
  • my mate's teasing feels mean

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