Sarcasm: the lowest form of wit.

I am trying harder than I ever have to be less sarcastic and more authentic. I've realized that sarcasm is a defense mechanism that I developed at an early age to cope with whatever undoubtedly normal but nonetheless overwhelming insecurities I had about my looks, my sense of humor, my intelligence, my popularity. It's a relief, at times, to live the absurd life, to say things that are illogical, extreme, and ultimately meaningless.

But that defeats the purpose, doesn't it? I think it's time to find new ways to be funny.

What I want out of life is to make genuine connections with the people around me, to forge meaningful relationships, to impact lives for the better -- and to hope that the effort is reciprocated. How can we accomplish any kind of sincerity with our tongues always in our cheeks?