Jokes or Jabs? How To Embrace Humor in your Relationships Without Hurting Feelings

2026-02-04

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"It's only a joke..." but is it really? Humor and sarcasm can be tricky in relationships—sometimes it’s playful, and other times it cuts deeper than intended. In this episode, you'll discover how joking, sarcasm, and humor play vital roles in healthy relationships—and what happens when jokes cross the line and reveal serious communication issues.Drawing from wisdom gained after nearly 40 years of marriage, Steve and Mary Alessi open up about their own approach to humor, how sarcasm shaped their families, and how laughter can cr...

"It's only a joke..." but is it really?

Humor and sarcasm can be tricky in relationships—sometimes it’s playful, and other times it cuts deeper than intended. In this episode, you'll discover how joking, sarcasm, and humor play vital roles in healthy relationships—and what happens when jokes cross the line and reveal serious communication issues.

Drawing from wisdom gained after nearly 40 years of marriage, Steve and Mary Alessi open up about their own approach to humor, how sarcasm shaped their families, and how laughter can create closeness or mask deeper issues. You'll discover why some couples thrive by balancing seriousness and lightheartedness, and how to read the room when humor is (or isn’t) appropriate.

Learn how joking can be a sign of trust and intimacy—but also where it may hide unspoken truths, cause pain, or erode safety in marriage, family, or even business teams.

If you want stronger connections at home or work, you'll find practical tips for being mindful of your words, knowing when to turn off sarcasm, and embracing moments of seriousness - so you'll know when your partner's feelings are no laughing matter.

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