Ever been insulted and then told you’re “too sensitive”? Negative humour is when someone uses sarcasm or “jokes” to undermine your confidence, then hides behind laughter. These aren’t harmless quips, they’re meant to make you feel small while giving the manipulator room to deny responsibility. “Lighten up,” they’ll say, after mocking your looks, choices, or intelligence.

How to outsmart: Smile, but turn the spotlight back. Ask calmly, “Why do you think that’s funny?” or “What did you mean by that?” Making them explain removes their mask and often exposes their real intentions.