Interesting thoughts. I think it etiquette in these situations depends on multiple factors. How close is the person to you? In what context is are these put downs being brought up? Are they presented to be funny? Sad? Fishing for compliments?
I find with "work friends" self-depricating comments...
I say definitely. As others have pointed out, technology greatly limits the opportunity to develop face-to-face emotional intelligence. In general though, I think many struggle to understand and reconcile their emotions for one reason or another. Many strides could be made by simply heightening...