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TEEN SOUL POWER
To Swear or Not to Swear -
That is the Question
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Nearly one-third of all U.S. men say the F-word at least a few times a week, and although it offends them - 23 percent of the ladies also drop the F-bomb every week. Among both genders, 8 percent confess they say it several times a day and 15 percent reserve the F-word, arguably the most formidable of all curse words, for use only a few times a year. |
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Profanity… cussing… cursing…. swearing…. vulgarity. They all have one common feature. They are abusive words that belong to the wrong family of grammar. She was a good student and friend, but she had one noticeable problem that would constantly make people shun her. When she got irritated she would get frustrated and immediately launch into a tirade of profanity. It came to the point where it happened with more and more regularity, almost until it became an automatic response - no longer reserved for just when she was furious or outraged, but more and more it just became a part of her normal speech. Finally, after one such incident where she actually confronted a teacher over a poor grade in a very intense and mean spirited manner, her vulgarity went over the line. The school pressed charges of harassment with the police and she was suspended for the remainder of the academic year. She had been told time and again by friends and family to watch her language, that it would get her into trouble. And, it did on more than one occasion. This time in serious trouble. Your speech - the language and words you choose, can either help improve or destroy relationships. The wrong words at the wrong time, can do great damage to all your relationships, to your reputation itself, and even to your future opportunities in love, work and society. Opportunities abound throughout our life, but they are much more limited when we close the door to them through our thoughts, words, and actions. Your language can be very offensive to people, even when you don't consciously mean it. And the unconscious use of profanity or vulgarity at the wrong time can easily bring about damage you don't mean to do - or will truly regret later. Even if you cannot control the thought, you can certainly control the tongue. People often use profanity to accent a particular phrase or a particular feeling. They believe that it gives more importance to it. But in reality, vulgarity is, well, just vulgar - and is more reflective of the character of the person than it is impressive of what is being said. Some think it's funny to swear. Some think it's mature. Some think it's adult. They are all wrong. At the very least swearing is offensive to most. It is insulting to even more. And it is vulgar to everyone. Swearing is abusive, it provokes anger instead of helping others understand your feelings, and it causes or increases stress and tension - both in self and in relationships. And if you curse at another person, just remember - in the world of the occult it is known that many times curses have rebounded and brought "bad luck" (or worse) upon the curser him/herself ! Of all types of profanity, cursing itself (saying a curse upon another person) may be the worse. |
People say to watch out,
that your words can come back to bite you…
but if you actually Curse someone else
you better watch out
because those words can come back to haunt you!
that your words can come back to bite you…
but if you actually Curse someone else
you better watch out
because those words can come back to haunt you!
So What Can You Do to Control It ?
1) As your mother used to say, "Watch Your Mouth!" You always need to be conscious of your words and to recognize just how much damage they can do. It isn't funny. It doesn't just express feelings it inflames them. It can easily offend and hurt others. Instead of earning respect it damages your reputation - and your character. And it can drive people away from you and keep otherwise good friendships at a distance -- and affect present and future job opportunities.
2) Little habits grow into big ones. Stop the casual swearing. The little things that you have more control over. Find better alternatives to express how you feel, or even more passionate wording as appropriate - but without the vulgarity.
3) Think before you speak. Try to think of a way to make a point politely. That may also mean using a tone which isn't offensive as well as a word or phrase. Take time to think it through so the other person might appreciate the reply instead of feeling belittled or attacked. If you want to be taken seriously, then perhaps a mature statement may be a more convincing manner.
4) Be patient, take time to decompress, think positively. Understand that we live in an imperfect world with daily challenges, disappointments, and aggravations. Swearing isn't going to change that. But a positive, deliberate attitude of respect for others will definitely guide the right path.
5) Develop your own comebacks, slogans and sayings. And remember a funny remark often de-escalates a sometimes tense moment. Find a few powerful or even funny words, and get in the habit of substituting them for swear words. For example, one woman always used to say "malarkey", and everyone would automatically lighten up. She would get her point across, but in a more acceptable and light-hearted manner. Strive not to be offensive and to think, plan, control, and time what you are about to say and how you say it. Control is the operative term that helps you think before you speak to make a point as politely as possible.
And always think about what you did say. Reflect upon it, and if it was rude or had a negative impact, apologize. And think about how you could rephrase it for the next time.
Eventually, one does learn a new and more appropriate way to speak and to share feelings and difficulties. And one surprising result is that others tend to see you, address you, and accept you in a whole different manner.
To be on the safe side, stop using profanity altogether, it really doesn't suit you.
2) Little habits grow into big ones. Stop the casual swearing. The little things that you have more control over. Find better alternatives to express how you feel, or even more passionate wording as appropriate - but without the vulgarity.
3) Think before you speak. Try to think of a way to make a point politely. That may also mean using a tone which isn't offensive as well as a word or phrase. Take time to think it through so the other person might appreciate the reply instead of feeling belittled or attacked. If you want to be taken seriously, then perhaps a mature statement may be a more convincing manner.
4) Be patient, take time to decompress, think positively. Understand that we live in an imperfect world with daily challenges, disappointments, and aggravations. Swearing isn't going to change that. But a positive, deliberate attitude of respect for others will definitely guide the right path.
5) Develop your own comebacks, slogans and sayings. And remember a funny remark often de-escalates a sometimes tense moment. Find a few powerful or even funny words, and get in the habit of substituting them for swear words. For example, one woman always used to say "malarkey", and everyone would automatically lighten up. She would get her point across, but in a more acceptable and light-hearted manner. Strive not to be offensive and to think, plan, control, and time what you are about to say and how you say it. Control is the operative term that helps you think before you speak to make a point as politely as possible.
And always think about what you did say. Reflect upon it, and if it was rude or had a negative impact, apologize. And think about how you could rephrase it for the next time.
Eventually, one does learn a new and more appropriate way to speak and to share feelings and difficulties. And one surprising result is that others tend to see you, address you, and accept you in a whole different manner.
To be on the safe side, stop using profanity altogether, it really doesn't suit you.
"Be careful of your words,
for they become your thoughts.
Be careful of your thoughts,
for they become your actions.
Be careful of your actions,
for they become your character.
Be careful of your character,
for it becomes your destiny."
- Anonymous
for they become your thoughts.
Be careful of your thoughts,
for they become your actions.
Be careful of your actions,
for they become your character.
Be careful of your character,
for it becomes your destiny."
- Anonymous
