Why Your Words Matter

I have a confession to make. I’m a terrible person. Why? Because I don’t always say nice things to people. Sometimes I even say things that hurt their feelings. I know, I know, it’s awful. But I can’t help it. I’m just too honest, too blunt, too real. I don’t sugarcoat things or lie to make people feel better. I tell it like it is, even if it’s not what they want to hear.

But I’ve realized that this is a big mistake. Words matter, you know. They have the power to make or break someone’s day, or even their life. Words can heal or harm, uplift or destroy, inspire or discourage. Words can change the world, for better or for worse.

That’s why I’ve decided to change my ways. I’ve decided to learn from the best teachers of kindness and compassion in the world: babies. Yes, babies. Those adorable little creatures who never say anything mean to anyone. Babies are the ultimate masters of communication because they know how to respect people and care for their feelings.

How do they do that, you ask? Well, let me give you some examples of how babies are not rude with their speech.

– Babies don’t judge people by their appearance, race, gender, age, or any other superficial criteria. They don’t care if you’re fat or thin, tall or short, black or white, male or female, young or old. They just see you as a human being worthy of love and attention.

– Babies don’t gossip about people behind their backs, spread rumors, or reveal secrets. They don’t talk about how ugly someone’s outfit is, how stupid someone’s opinion is, how annoying someone’s voice is, or how boring someone’s life is. They keep their mouths shut and mind their own business.

– Babies don’t interrupt people when they’re talking, talk over them, or dominate the conversation. They don’t try to prove that they’re smarter, funnier, or more interesting than anyone else. They listen patiently and attentively and wait for their turn to speak.

– Babies don’t insult people, mock them, or make fun of them. They don’t call people names, make sarcastic remarks, or laugh at their mistakes. They don’t hurt people’s feelings on purpose or enjoy seeing them suffer.

– Babies don’t lie to people, deceive them, or manipulate them. They don’t pretend to be someone they’re not, say things they don’t mean, or promise things they can’t deliver. They don’t cheat on people, betray them, or stab them in the back.

Let me give you a few examples.

You know, how incredibly judgmental people can be. It’s like they have a PhD in assuming things about others. I mean, my infant at home is so much better at this. Seriously, the other day, someone walked by, and my baby just looked at them without a single judgmental thought. Meanwhile, adults are over here sizing each other up like they’re judges at a reality show.

And don’t even get me started on assumptions. People assume things about you faster than you can say “misunderstood.” My baby, on the other hand, just assumes that if you have a funny face, it’s probably a game. It’s refreshing.

Or how adults are like detectives when it comes to assuming things? They see you wearing sunglasses, and suddenly they’re Sherlock Holmes deducing your entire life story. “Ah, I see you wear sunglasses, you must be a secret agent who moonlights as a rockstar on weekends.” Meanwhile, my baby is just happy if I make silly faces while wearing sunglasses. No assumptions, just pure joy.

As you can see, babies are the epitome of politeness and civility. They are the role models we should all aspire to follow. They are the champions of words that matter and care for people’s feelings.

So from now on, I’m going to try to be more like a baby. I’m going to be kinder, more gentle, and more respectful with my words, I will cry all hours of the night not because I want a bottle (which tastes bad, like I want to throw up from the nastiness bad. How in the world can a human being eat that crap), or am sitting in my waste and demand that someone get off their ass and change my diaper while I try to piss on them and kick my legs and smear, and fling my feces in all directions. Or because yes you just burped me 20 sec ago and are exhausted thinking that you will get a few more minutes of sleep and I should be content for a bit. You are Wrong I will break you! I will make you lose your sanity and your hair. I will make you grovel and beg for a few minutes to yourself. because your life is a dictatorship now. But never will I say a mean word to you!