Listening and Problem Solving

What do you do when someone you love or care about does something that bothers you? Maybe there was a fight or the other person just has a habit that you don't like but you don't know how to talk to them about it? It doesn't have to be big, it can be a normal everyday occurrence. But how do you go about telling them about this without offending them?

In my family, we don't use sarcasm or joke around in that manner because my parents never liked the teasing. Now that we're older it can be difficult to joke with each other because we were never really allowed to in the past. (The ways we joke would probably make good content for a reality tv show, it can be that ridiculous. Namely movie references and jumping out from behind walls but that is a different story.)

The reason my parents dislike sarcasm is because of what it means and how it makes them feel:

Sarcasm: To mock or convey contempt.

Sarcasm gets rid of the warm spirit we feel in our home very quickly. I do believe there is a way to use sarcasm without being hateful or rude but joking with sarcasm can turn from joking with someone to jeering at them. And that can build some insecurities in the family.
In fact, being sincere is becoming rare. Everyone wants to find a genuine person to love but it makes us feel vulnerable to be sincere and genuine ourselves.

The best way I've found to overcome these insecurities is to confront the person that you have conflict with. Just get it over with, be brave. It is difficult and exposing but just be calm. Be curious, not furious. Go talk to them before the feelings become insurmountable and it becomes a bigger problem.
The next part is to express you pain, but try not to place blame. Turn it into an "I" statement, so the person won't feel so much like they're being attacked but like a real conversation.
Lastly, be honest about your feelings. Be willing to work with the other person. If someone comes to you with similar complaints don't get defensive. Work together, listen to each other. Listing is a major part of communication, not just talking. Sometimes it's necessary to keep talking and repeating what was said until you understand each other correctly.
Speak calmly, listen, understand.