1. I'm Not Trying to Be Mean

Sound familiar? Sarcasm isn't about being mean. A mean person can be sarcastic, but a sarcastic person isn't always trying to cause harm or hurt anyone's feelings. I would say “never,” but you know, hey, nobody's perfect!

2. Insult Vs. Wit

By and large, bitchy people are trying to be insulting. There's a witty component to true sarcasm, a humorous bent that doesn't mean any harm. It may mean to illuminate and enlighten, yes, but it isn't meant to hurt you for no reason. It's a witty way to reveal a truth.

3. Sarcasm Isn't Meant to Be Offensive

Elite Daily made a really great point: “Being a bitch is an offensive move, being sarcastic is a defense mechanism.” Bitches want to offend you, first of all, and they want to put you on the defense. And it works, because lots of people use sarcasm to defend themselves against people or situations that make them nervous, uncomfortable, or uneasy. You might be sarcastic around your crush, the colleague who makes you mad enough to spit, your boss, or an ex – as protection. It's your shield (so you're kind of like a superhero).

4. I Just Look That Way

Well, yeah. If you have a natural expression suggestive of bitchiness, people will think it, especially if you're sarcastic too. Maybe you always look bored, unimpressed, or indifferent, no matter what you're doing, saying, or listening to. Welcome to bitch-face. As I learned on my honeymoon, Paris is our true homeland.

5. I Ain't Mad

When someone's bitchy, they tend to be mad at the world. They're miserable on some level, and they want everyone else to be miserable too. If you simply speak sarcasm, you ain't mad; you're laughing inside. Speaking of which …

6. I'm Laughing with You

When you're sarcastic, you're not using it to laugh at someone. You're genuinely laughing with them, because that's just who you are – provided you're just a sarcasm master. Mean people who use sarcasm are different; bitchy people are different. They're coming from an ugly place, and forget that mess.

7. I Actually like You

Sometimes your sarcasm only comes out strong around the people you really like, because you know they can take it. You'll mind your manners around the larger world, but around people you love, like, or think you might befriend, you bust out the sarcasm. Bitchy people are bitches when they don't like you. Boo, bitches.

8. I Was Born This Way

I'm serious. Think about it: true sarcasm is like a gift, it's natural. You can polish it and grow it, but it's part of you from the beginning. Someone can try to learn it and they might get close, but it'll always seem a little fake.

9. I'll Say It to Your Face

Seriously, sarcastic people will tell you. We don't sneak around behind your back. That's a mark of gossip and rumor-mongering. We're just trying to share our insights.

Do people often mistake your brilliant gift with sarcasm for bitchiness? Share these explanations with the friends who think you're just hating – or with your buddy who has a case of RBF.

H/T: elitedaily.com, buzzfeed.com