# Words Mean Things

Source: https://dairycoach.com/words-mean-things/
Published: 2011-01-11
Author: Tom Wall

---

Remember when we were younger, we’d reply to an insult with the phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  I’m not sure if kids actually say that anymore.  It seems that now they prefer using the internet and cell phones to hurt each other’s feelings.  Either way, I’d have to argue that words tend to hurt more.  Well, maybe not as bad as *real*sticks and stones… I can only imagine how much that would hurt!?!

But if you think back to when you were growing up, chances are you probably still remember some of the mean and hurtful things that people said about you and to your face.  And if you’re like most of us, you probably even remember a few of the ‘not-so-nice comments’ that you also made and now wish that you hadn’t.

In fact, if you’re a normal guy, it’s probably safe to say that you’ve heard your wife or girlfriend state that “It’s not *what* you say; it’s *how* you say it.”  But then again, I’m not so sure that’s true either.  Although she’s probably right (she usually is), I think it’s more than just the tone you use.  It’s the words you choose as well.  And unfortunately, it’s pretty hard to ‘take back’ comments that you make after you’ve already made them.  After all, saying that you “didn’t mean it” or that you’re “just kidding” doesn’t actually make your previous statement a joke!

You see, words have meaning.  Whether it’s the *Constitution* or a hand shake and a promise, we all count on the meaning behind these words.  In fact, it seems many conflicts and misunderstandings that we encounter with friends, family, and coworkers begin with words.  Sometimes these problems start when you say something you shouldn’t have.  And sometimes, these problems arise when you say something that you can’t or don’t follow through on.  Either way, these uncomfortable situations could’ve been avoided by choosing your words more carefully… or as I’ve been told before, you should “think before you talk!”

Of course, nobody’s perfect.  At some point, everyone is going to say something that’s regrettable and hurtful.  Fortunately, there are words for that too.