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Sarcasm, Banter and fun

By
Mortgage and Lending with Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 NMLS ID# 158606

Part I  -  Banter 

I've grown to have a few good friends over my 6+ months on AR...  I have written and spoken to a few on more than one occasion as well.  I have a high degree of sincerity and passion in my life for all that I do.  I came from a family of 5 kids.  4 boys and 1 girl.  We were competitive and loved and for the most part turned out as normal as a family of 7 could be.  TBut we would need releases to keep our sanity.  So...with four siblings we found that a quick wit and a sharp tongue is a good thing for us to have. 

My sister, brought to my attention about 3 weeks ago the fact that she doesn't like people that can't banter.  Bantering is the ability to just talk nonsense off the top of your head and having the other person picking up and going along with the conversation knowing full and well that the ongoing conversation is just for fun. 

My best friend died suddently 2 years ago.  He was young, no body fat, low key and a great looking dude.  However, one of his most endearing qualities was the fact that he could banter any time anywhere.  I'd pick up the phone and call him.  the conversation would go like this...."ring, ring"

(Joe picks up) on the background you hear "Michelle stop that" (Michelle is my wife).  

Me:  Michelle?  Joe, are you at my house alone with my wife?

Joe:  No...I would never be all alone at your house while your not there all alone with your wife

Me:  Joe...I'm starting to feel uncomfortable here.  I think I'm going to go home and check on her.

Joe:  No, no, no....there's really no need to go home....she's great.  I mean, I'm sure she's fine..not that I would be making a move on your wife...

Me:  I didn't say anything about you making a move on my wife...I gotta go home now....

The conversation would digress until one of us would just start cracking up.  We would do that all the time with each other.   Now I try to banter with other friends ever since and no one comes close.  That abilty is an ability to mesh with any personality out there.  If you can think on the fly, then your business will always be rocking. 

PART II - SARCASM

I really don't have use for people who are sarcastic in life.  In other words, they live with a bitter edge.  But people who have a well timed sarcastic comment or post are awesome.  My partner in the office and I are serious all the time.  But when one person needs the other for something serious, one often responds wiht a pointed, sarcastic remark. 

My bud, Ginger Wilcox, Ginger's Marin County Real Estate Blog, and myself have developed a very shallow and superficial bond over the months that we've gotten to know each other....kidding.  But I admire her for her ability to dish with a well timed pointed smart ass comment that will put a smile on my purposed, driven, type A focused personality.  My buddy and friend, Ian Anderson, Ian Anderson - Ormond Beach Florida Real Estate has the sarcastic DNA in him that makes him somewhat endearing. 

My three top realtor partners are so focused and so purposed, and two are top 10 realtors within our state.  The ability to rip off a good one liner almost seems to be mandatory if you're going to the top in this business or at least if you want to work with me...humility coupled with a smart assed nature make me laugh and I love laughing.

I have developed great friendships outside of the business with certain clients who I've instantly connected with through the quick wit and sarcasm. 

Now it's important for me to note that there are bitter people that can't say a positive line to save their lives.  I'm talking about the purposed, positive and disciplined professional.  I think that it's a great ability to think on the fly.  I think it's a great release, to just rip off a great slam to a great friend just to get a rise out of them. 

What are your thoughts????  Seinfeld had a great group of friends who truly seemed to love one another, but their gift of banter and the gift of sarcasm makes them connected and endeared to each other.

What are your thoughts? Am I whacked or am I right on?

 

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Comments (9)

Jim Albano
Prudential Damiano Realty - Little Falls, NJ
Team - Jean-Marie Vantuno / Realtors North Jersey Real Estate
You're whacked man! But you're right on too. My office is filled with banter and good natured ribbing, but we all get along and know how to get the job done. Good stuff!
Jan 31, 2008 01:41 PM
Ginger Wilcox
Sindeo - San Francisco, CA
Definitely whacked. 100% cuckoo.  My ass is not smart tonight.  Must be the earlier head injury.
Jan 31, 2008 02:01 PM
Todd and Danielle Millar
Glenn Simon Inc. - Edmonton, AB
Nineteen years of excellence!
A well placed zinger is worth its weight in comic gold,  as you said, that is why Seinfeld was such a funny show. 
Jan 31, 2008 02:10 PM
Carol Smith
Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

Larry,

Did you ever find out how Joe knew how your wife was doing?  I bet he was on his cell phone at your house. LOL  Better keep an eye on that critter.  

Banter, sarcasm, enthusiasm and the ability to read people are all traits that are worth their weight in gold. (BTW - how much do they weigh?)

Nice post - thanks for the chuckle. 

Jan 31, 2008 02:18 PM
Ginger Wilcox
Sindeo - San Francisco, CA
Lar- no sarcasm here.  I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your best friend.  That must have been devastating.  Sounds like you had fabulous relationship with him.  I am very glad you have great memories to hold on to!
Jan 31, 2008 02:50 PM
Kent Simpson
Realty One Group Mountain Desert - Tucson, AZ
Real Estate Is About People
A good friend always lives on in the memories they leave behind...if you don't believe it, ask your wife!
Jan 31, 2008 02:58 PM
Larry Bettag
Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL
Vice-President of National Production

Jim...i think that you need to be a little bit crazy to stay sane correct?  I want to make money, glorify God and have fun.....that's part of the fun.

Ginger...you serve as my inspiration here....you're the trigger for this post

Todd and Danielle....nicely put.

Carole....I'd have to say that it goes to the abilty to connect with others as well.

Ginger Part II....thanks...he was my best friend and we're godfather's for each other's daughter.  I'm glad that he's now looking out for her in a better place....thanks for the kind words....maybe another post a brewing here....

Kent...thanks dude....my wife still laughs to this day when thinking about him.

Jan 31, 2008 03:33 PM
Jo-Anne Smith
Oakville, ON

Larry,

I love to banter too and I also agree that sarcasm is not very becoming on a person. There's a big difference between sarcasm and wit...witty people are fun to be around and can lighten up any situation in a flash.

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend,

Jo 

Feb 07, 2008 12:39 AM
Larry Bettag
Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL
Vice-President of National Production

Michael...this truly is one of the "priceless" comments.  It really is great to find people who can banter.

Jo-Anne-That's exactly it wiith banter.  Sarcasm is awesome once every blue moon.  With regards to banter...it's all wit.  Great comment.  On my best friend....thanks.

Feb 08, 2008 01:36 PM