That’s kind of a big deal for a guy who’s already annoyingly
sarcastic more often than not. But trust me, I can do better. I have full
confidence in myself.
I find that when dealing with certain people and situations,
a smack of sarcasm and a whiff of wisecrack help me cope with life much more
efficiently.
Yes, of course I know how to be serious when serious is
called for. But too much of that even-keeled, straightforward shit and the life
gets drained right out of me. So I guess if you get right down to it, being a
smartass is critical to my survival.
It’s not always about being a dick. There’s a difference
between a smartass and an asshole. At least I think so.
An asshole is just an asshole. And most assholes don’t know even
why they’re being an asshole. They just are.
But a smartass has a specific purpose for who they are and
what they do.
To me, being a smartass is about having a sense of humor and
doing whatever I can to make sure I don’t let life get too heavy. Because life
is too short to get too heavy.
It’s about trying to find a way to stay grounded in a world
that seems to be constantly thinking of new ways to knock you off your feet.
It’s about making sure that, with a slightly subtle yet very
deliberate intent, the target of my satire knows exactly where I’m coming from
and exactly how I feel.
And yes, sometimes it is just about being a dick.
By bringing a little smartass to the table I’m able to
diffuse some of the frustration bubbling up on the inside. It might get me in
trouble on occasion or get me blacklisted as a cocky instigator. But I don’t
think I care — because it helps me feel in control, even when I know I’m not.
And that feeling alone is worth every shit list I’m on.
You’re damn right it’s a defense mechanism. I know that. I
don’t need any armchair psychoanalysts to help me figure that one out. But it’s
a therapeutic defense mechanism — that works. At least for me.
And it can work for you too if you just give it a try. Next
time, instead of getting pissed, get sarcastic. When it gets too heavy, lighten
the load with a cocky remark. Instead of standing there and letting life punch
you in the mouth, punch back with a couple smarmy jabs of your own. And rather
than letting somebody else think they got the best of you, be the better person
by being the best smartass you can be. It feels really good.
I hope you’ll join me in this good fight. Because the world
needs more of us.
Carry on my smart-mouthed little friends, carry on.
JS
Being a smartass has defused many situations that could have led to disaster. I guess when it comes right down to it, I am a professional smartass.
ReplyDeleteBeing a smartass is an art... and when called for I can go Sistine Chapel on a mofo. -Murph
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