From the time we learn to crawl, we begin to learn the dangers of the world we live in: “Don’t touch the stove, it’s hot,” “Don’t hit your sister, that’s mean,” and “Don’t text and drive, you’ll cause an accident!” But more often than not, these “dangers” we learn about are all physical. Each danger is about how our physical actions can bring harm upon others or ourselves. But what about the dangers that aren’t so transparent? What about the physical danger of language, of words?
I was raised on two mantras: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” and “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I was under the impression that I could simply brush harmful words off of my shoulder, but as a conditionally sensitive human being, I learned that this task was easier said than done. It was then that I began to question the words of others instead of questioning why I let things get to me.
As an adult, I’ve come to realize that words can hurt just as bad, if not worse, than physically inflicted pain. There are many types of words that hurt and sometimes, they need to be avoided.
Warning: These Words May Cause Damage
The Angry Words
These are the words people say out of spite in the midst of fury. We are all guilty of angry words, but we’ll work on it.
“The Truth Hurts” Words
Sometimes, we all need to hear the truth. And sometimes, the truth kills. But maybe we should try to “kill 'em with kindness,” instead.
The Backstabbing Words
You know that time when you talked poorly about Susie to your ex-best friend, Sally? You instantly regret that conversation when Sally tells Susie that, “She never liked you anyway!”
The “Nobody Wants to Say It, but Everyone is Thinking It” Words
It’s not always OK to go against the grain. There are some words that are better left unsaid.
The Drunk Words
Drunken words are sober thoughts, don’t be the one to slip.
The “Hit 'Em Where it Hurts” Words
These are the worst. You know someone’s weakness, don’t use it against them.
The Getting Even Words
You should never have to “get even.” Be the bigger person—walk away.
The “No Offense, But…” Words
Just because you say, “no offense” does not mean that what follows is not offensive.
The list could go on and on, but at the end of the day, words are a powerful weapon. Although Carrie Underwood may have wished “words were like little toy guns; no sting, no hurt no one, just a bang bang; rolling off your tongue,” it is not that simple. All is not fair in love and war, and although words may seem harmless because they cause emotional harm as opposed to physical harm, they are just as damaging.
While it may be too late to take back your drunken slurs or the time when you threw Sally or Susie under the bus, it is never too late begin thinking before you speak.
