Sticks And Stones May Break My Bones

Sticks and stones really can break your bones, but contrary to the popular saying, words can and do hurt. Being on the receiving end of harsh or thoughtless words is not easy and is especially hard to hear if the person suffers from low self-esteem, depression or bad health.

Words.

What are words?

A word is a bunch of alphabet letters put together into something that is said. All the words are then arranged into sentences and thoughts enabling people to communicate.

How carefully do we choose our words?

Every day as you interact with other human beings on this planet, you are involved in that moment with them. You do not know everything that happened in their past, how they feel or their thoughts even as they are speaking with you face-to-face.

I think disappointed and unhappy people often say things to manipulate a situation or another person. It is the “misery loves company” scenario. A person will feel better if they can put someone else down and discredit or shame an aspect of their behavior or feelings.

Too often people speak when they should just shut up.

Emails, text messages, letters or phone calls are filled with words that are completely inappropriate every day.

Words can be wrong.

False judgments, name calling or shaming are words that should never escape the lips.

What are some good words?

“Think before you speak” is definitely a good habit. There are some words that should be a regular part of our every day vocabulary. Words and phrases such as “please”, “thank you“, “you’re welcome“, “may I“, “excuse me“ and “I’m sorry“ are not just nice things to say – they are necessary.

What about blubbering ignorance?

Hmmmm…

My experience with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) has opened my eyes to ignorant people. There are two kinds of ignorance:

• The person is clueless, but after obtaining information, changes their behavior and or speech.
• The person is clueless, refuses to learn or use the information that would save them from ignorance and thus continues to be unkind in their ignorance.

I have lost patience with people who have the second type of ignorance because they are not really ignorant. They are actually selfish and unfeeling. Let me give you an example: The Smith family has a very large dog with a huge bark and three young children. The Jones family lives next door and has no children or pets and both work the night shift. The Smith family knows the Jones family schedule. The Jones’ have asked the Smith’s to keep their dog and children out of the Jones’ yard. Every day the Smith family lets their children run around the Jones’ yard and play right outside the couple’s bedroom window.

THAT is not ignorant.

THAT is the Smith family being blatantly selfish.

“Please do not hold back Redhead Riter,” you say to me. “Tell us how you really feel about ignorant and selfish people.”

Okay, I will, but in another post. I want you to remember that this post is about “words” and the good words you should incorporate into your communication daily.

Do you remember those magical words?

You will receive a test via snail mail in the next couple days (wink)

 

 

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