The Chandler Syndrome: Smart vs. Smart-Ass

I recently took one of those silly online tests to find out which F.R.I.E.N.D.S. character I am (Try it here).

Although I was certain I was going to be either Chandler or Monica (the test wasn’t gender-specific), I took it just for kicks.

The result, as expected:



People who know me very well would not find this a surprise. Since way back in high school, I’ve always been the class clown, and people have accepted me (sometimes unwillingly) to play that part. The only difference is that I don't make people laugh through actions. I don't make faces or do crazy stunts like Chandler does. It’s my sarcastic comments and offbeat reactions that people tend to remember me by.

It has even come to a point when my friends would usually “expect” me to say something witty in any given situation, even after high school. Thing is, I've kinda toned down (a little bit) in that department ever since I started taking my Psychology course seriously in college – which happened pretty late, I should say.

So every time that perfect moment comes and people don't hear me say anything sardonic, they get kinda disappointed. Which is really funny, come to think about it.

I used to date someone who had a very quiet and subdued demeanor. I was on the peak of my Chandleresque reputation at that time and although she never said it out loud, I knew she was not impressed with that particular talent of mine.

One day, we were eating out with friends and I was in the Chandler-zone. I was throwing comments all over the place and even went as far as embarrassing some of my friends. The girl I was dating apparently had enough of my crap, stood up and said, “I don’t find you funny – at all.”

Then she walked out.

We still continued seeing each other after that – it was actually a long one, that relationship – and that eye-opening moment has had a lasting impact on me until today. Since then, I became observant of the garbage coming out of my mouth. I mean I still throw jokes here and there, but I stopped mocking people directly – out loud, that is.

There’s a difference between having a witty sense of humor and being an obnoxious public heckler with zero sensitivity to people’s feelings. I’m glad I was able to control that impulse before it controlled me. From then on I just mock people in my mind.

Although sometimes it still internally pains me to hold back my sarcastic comments (hihi). Just kidding – I’m alright.



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