Ah, humor...ironic or otherwise.

I have learned it is safer to save the jokes for really, really close friends. Even then, it's still risky. Being clever at the wrong time, in the wrong place can ruin a relationship.

If I crack a joke, it is never at anyone's expense. Not worth the risk. However, in writing, irony can be quite useful. In that case I have time to consider what I have written and think about the wording, the impact. Speech is too spontaneous. Once something is said, there is no taking it back.