Once again in the news, we have people who do not watch their words before they open up their mouths to speak. Be it a CEO of a major airline to the press secretary of the President. We’ve all done it at least once in our lives, some of us more than others. Words can be quite hurtful, if not put into the proper context.  So what’s the secret to avoid such idiocy? If you don’t want others saying certain things to you then just don’t say it to them. Silence can be golden.

For starters, remember who you are talking to. How well do you know them?  Should you get to familiar to soon?  In this case, probably not. Familiarity can get you into trouble very quickly. If you were just introduced to someone and they commented on your voice or something you might be wearing, and not in a positive way, how would you feel? Apply that to this lesson. Unfortunately, there are those who think that they can say just about anything, without repercussions. Also, be sure to get the facts about anything before commenting on it. And if you’re not certain, then just say nothing. That always works.

So going back to the news, we have a press secretary who didn’t think or research before inserting his foot into his mouth. Oh he has apologized, over and over, but the damage is done. Sometimes it’s just hard to take back what has already come out. Just ask the CEO of United Airlines. He wishes that he could have come across as a little more sincere the first time. He didn’t think either.

Have you ever run into a female friend that you hadn’t seen for a while? Well I did years ago and congratulated her on her pregnancy, being she was still in her childbearing years. Turns out, she wasn’t pregnant nor had she gained weight from eating to many brownies. She had a kidney condition which made her stomach swell. That was probably my most memorable insert foot into mouth moments. She was a good sport and we still spoke even after that. I’m thinking maybe not if it had been the brownies!

Then there are those people who just can’t hold back for anything. They don’t give a damn what comes out of their face. Why I’ve been told that I don’t look like a certain ethnic group, my butt looks bigger, and oh yeah, it’s about time you got a newer car. Absolutely no thinking involved there. In those extreme cases, always just consider the source. Those are the kind who always dish it out, but can’t take it. There is usually no hope for them.

In the extreme cases, if you don’t think before you speak, it could get you killed. How many times have you heard on the news about a murder taking place and it started with an argument. Chances are someone didn’t think and said something totally out of line. Enough to lose their lives over.

The world today knows no bounds, in part due to social media and how people are in general. Stupid stuff comes out of everyone’s mouth now and again. Try not to make it a habit. Words do hurt.