Being earnest in a room full of sarcasm takes more nerve than any comeback.

Sarcasm is cheap because it risks nothing. If you never say what you actually think, nobody can catch you caring about the wrong thing, and being caught caring is the fear running most rooms. Saying something plainly, with no joke to hide behind, means standing there with no cover. That is why the sincere person in a sarcastic group is usually the bravest one in it, even though they read as the easiest target.

Say one thing straight this week. Tell someone their work was good, admit you want something, ask a real question in class. Notice how often somebody else relaxes right after.