Everyone has that one friend who is the punching bag of the group. They are constantly just asking to get roasted. If you aren't sure who that is, your friend group is either full of way better people than my friends and me (lame), or SPOILER ALERT you are the punching bag (sorry that you had to find out like this). I am one hundred percent the most roastable human in existence, as I apologize for everything and anything I do, so yeah... I'm a punching bag with two legs. As such, I am here to say that it's totally okay. I understand that people get stressed and need an outlet, and I am happy that I can be that for them. So here are the confessions, the ups and downs, the ins and outs, of being a human punching bag.
For starters, the connotation of "punching bag" is clearly a negative one, but I want to clear that up. It's not always a bad thing. We know that our friends do it out of love... Or at least we hope they do. It takes a very special kind of person to be roasted all day, every day. In a way, constantly being the butt of the joke is a form of art-- you elegantly brush the remarks off your shoulder, gracefully roll with the punches, and masterfully smile while performing your laugh at the perfect "that didn't hurt" pitch. It is a skill. Not only are people recognizing us as a close friend by showing their closeness through roasting us, but we are also creating art. Sure, maybe the words "punching bag" sound a little harsh, but it is a title that should be had with pride.
I'm not going to lie and say that being a punching bag is all smiles all the time. There are definitely moments when it takes a toll. People can take things too far, and it can be hurtful. When the heat is cranked up all the way, people can forget what is fair game and what's not, especially since they are your friends so they know the things that can really get you. In that case, we might fight back. And we're sorry about that, but when it goes too far, it's got to stop.
So, yes, it can be frustrating asking a question in the group chat and instead of getting an answer, you get burned. Yes, there are days when it gets exhausting. Yes, there are times when we might snap back and our laugh is a little out of tune, but even on those bad days, all the other times full of playful invalidation and laughter make it worth it. Everyone needs an outlet, and we, the punching bags, are happy to get the job done.
