There are so many common expressions we say, sometimes even multiple times in one day. Many times we don't realize it, but these words can hurt, and can be completely insensitive. They're just unnecessary. Here are some phrases we need to stop saying:
1. "I wanted to kill myself."
I don't know why, when, or how this expression became so common, but it's just incredibly wrong. We often use this phrase in regards to a guy not texting back, a failed test, sitting through a boring lecture, or something of the like. We have become desensitized to the sharp, painful meaning behind these words. This phrase should never be treated as an acceptable way to describe embarrassment, boredom, or anything else for that matter. You never know what someone else is struggling with.
2. "That's so gay."
Seriously? I hear this less and less, but it still pains me when I occasionally overhear people saying it. "Gay" is not synonymous to "stupid," "annoying," or "lame." I assure you that you can easily find a different word, out of the thousands of words we have, to express your feelings. Sexual orientation is not an insult, and should never be treated as one.
3. "You're retarded."
As a future teacher, this one really makes my blood boil. Thankfully, this phrase is becoming less and less socially acceptable (although I am unsure of why it was deemed acceptable in the first place). However, I still catch these words being tossed around too many times. Being mentally challenged is nothing to make light of. If you wouldn't feel comfortable saying it to someone with a mental disability, don't say it at all. "Retarded" doesn't mean "lame" or "dumb." Educate yourself, and pick a better word.
4. "It gives me anxiety."
Most people who say this don't actually have anxiety. There's a difference between being worried or uptight, and having a diagnosed anxiety disorder. Getting nervous about a test, or being worried about your friend does not qualify as anxiety in any way, shape, or form. This phrase is insensitive, and very offensive to people who actually suffer from anxiety and live with it every day.
5. "It's making me depressed."
I doubt it. Depression is not the same as sadness -- end of story.
6. "He/She is so bipolar!"
Again, it is never acceptable to use mental illnesses so casually in conversation. Just because your roommate is indecisive or your professor has a personality that is all over the place does not mean they are bipolar.
7. "I'm so OCD."
There's a difference between being neat and organized, and having obsessive compulsive disorder. I rely on my planner like it is the Bible, but I would never mistake my routinized, particular personality for OCD, and you shouldn't either.
8. "Don't judge me."
Girls say this all the time. I'm eating this entire pint of ice cream. Don't judge me. I was lazy and skipped the gym today. Don't judge me. I decided not to wear makeup today. Don't judge me. While, sometimes, you may have made a mistake, or there may have been a better option to choose, you should not feel the need to explain yourself. Chances are, the person you are saying this to is someone who knows you well -- well enough that they couldn't care less if you single-handedly eat a tub of ice cream. Heck, they'll probably even grab a spoon and help you polish off the container.
9. "I'm sorry!"
Of course, there are times when we need to apologize and own up to our actions. However, we need to stop saying sorry for things that don't require an apology. Check out this Pantene ad for the perfect example of what I mean.
Let's do our best to get rid of these phrases, and find better ways to express how we feel. We've got thousands of words to choose from. Let's pick the right ones.
