Why you should dump friends who crack 'jokes' that make you uncomfortable

It is important to set boundaries with people on what we can and can't tolerate. However, when we have to set a boundary with a loved one or a friend over a certain remark that they may claim is a joke, it brings up the question: Why do they feel the need or feel comfortable to make that joke in the first place?

READ: Why you should reject negative humour

The jokes we are talking about are those negative remarks, snide comments, sarcastic comments, passive-aggressive statements, friends make and when you call them out on them, they claim to be "joking". It may be during one-on-one interactions or with other people involved.

READ: 5 types of friends to avoid for personal growth

Why you should dump friends who crack 'jokes' that make you uncomfortable/Pexels Pulse

These jokes tend to cross a line or an unspoken boundary that makes you uncomfortable, upset or hurt. You may be accused of being sensitive or fragile, which only highlights how they don't care about your feelings and more about their freedom to say what they want while you grow some skin.

READ: How to create lasting friendships

Now back to the question; Why do they feel the need or feel comfortable to make that joke in the first place?

Let's say you tell them how you feel and set a boundary for future interactions, what is stopping this person from making these poor jokes about you with other people or in your absence?

READ: 4 important things we get wrong about friendship

Yes, your boundaries are your responsibility and you have no control over what other people do with your boundaries. But a good friend shouldn't need boundaries around what bad jokes they make about you in the first place and they certainly shouldn't be making them at all.

Why you should dump friends who crack 'jokes' that make you uncomfortable/Pexels Pulse

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In such cases, whether that friend admits it or not, their intentions are just as bad or worse than the "joke" itself. Intentions can be to embarrass you, make you feel stupid or foolish, isolate you, make other people "turn on you", to "humble you", or to silence you.

If it bothers you, address it and distance yourself from such people.