"It’s unladylike." "It’s crude." "It’s unnecessary." "It’s vulgar." "It’s inappropriate." All things I’ve heard people say about cursing. I used to believe they were true. I used to never curse at all even though everyone around me did. I said them but it was a rarity that was saved for times when I was unbelievably angry, and even then I felt uncomfortable saying them.

As the years went on I began to loosen the reins on myself a bit. I began using just the beginning of a curse word. Like I would make the “fff” sound instead of saying “f**k.” Or I would make the “shh” sound instead of saying “s**t.” The first word I really started using in its entirety was “b**ch.” I don’t know why, I just didn’t find it as harsh. I wouldn’t say it venomously very often unless I was angry which is a rarity for me. Mostly I would use it to poke fun at people. And as I got more comfortable using curse words, that’s what they became; fun. I don’t find them inappropriate or vulgar anymore.

Yes I am a strong believer that words have power and there are certain words that I don’t think should ever be said because of the power they have to hurt and oppress people. But classic curse words like “f**k” or “s**t” or "a**" I just find interesting. Cursing is expressive and honest and powerful. That’s why I do it. Because It allows me to get out everything that I am feeling and express myself and reflect on my situations as they are; that’s why it feels so good.

I don’t think they take anything away, I think they add something. And studies have shown that people who curse tend to be more trustworthy, which makes sense because they are more open and expressive in their speech and way of thinking when they use curse words. I like how extreme they are, how they add humor to a situation like nothing else, how they can be a comfort and connect us all. They can describe something so easily and simply; like “that’s f**ked up.” Or when you're excited and you just want to yell “HOLY S**T!” Or when your friend is teasing you and you just want to say “b**tch I love you but shut up". It’s nice. So you tell me I’m unladylike for cursing? I say “F**K THAT!”