Supposedly, women speak, on average, 10,000 words a day and men only about 4,000. Or any variation you can think of or find on many different websites that claim to know exactly how much we all talk. Sometimes our words are kind and up-lifting. Sometimes they can rip people to shreds-even without us realizing it.
I have a friend who has decided that she needs to "fix" me. She is always telling me I need a new hair style, or that a certain shirt or pair of pants don't look very good on me. Sometimes it is nice to get a warning message about an outfit, but most of the time it makes me feel like crap.
Do you have anyone in your life like this? I get so weary of hearing how crappy my hair looks! I've told her I actually *like* my hair and I'm not changing, but every couple of months, she tells me it looks out of style or it "dates" me. What the heck!?! I find this especially insulting because she does nothing with her hair-pony tail or straight-not even straightened.
Over the years, I have seemingly attracted *friends* that tell me something about me is all wrong...whether it's my choice of clothes, my hair, my make-up, whatever. Why do they think that's ok? It is just -not. I mean if I have a giant booger hanging from my nostril, by all means PLEASE tell me! But...if I've told you that I *like* my hair, I *like* my clothes, and I like who I am-then back off!
I got a paper a few years ago that is just titled WORDS...and on the sheet are several Bible verses printed out that speak about words. I keep it on the side of my fridge where I can see it every day. I *try* to live by what the verses say. I know I slip sometimes and my sharp tongue has slashed out from time to time. I would feel really miserable if my words were always wounding and not building up and encouraging.
Here are the verses if you want to look them up:
Proverbs 10:39, Proverbs 17:28, Leviticus 19:16, Proverbs 16:28, Proverbs 17:9, Matthew 12:34-37, Ephesians 4:3-6, Ephesians 4:29-32, James 1:19, James 3:3-10.
I'm going to be working on being quick to listen and slow to speak. My sincere apologies friends and family reading this if I've slashed you with my tongue. I've gotten a good taste of that lately and I am SO sure I DON'T want to be like that!!!
Sorry! Ranting is over! We now return to our regularly scheduled treasure seeking blog that us usually rant free!
I find it hard to believe that any 'friend' would say those kind of hurtful things to you -- even the first time! I don't think she's a friend at all...and also, she probably feels bad about herself and gets a boost from cutting down others.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard, but try not to let those unkindnesses get to you -- try to concentrate on all the good things that you hear! And stick with your friends who really act (and talk) like friends!
Yes, words can really hurt if the user doesn't think about what they are saying! Sorry to hear that your friend is being insensitive!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that your "friend" isn't "listening" to you!
ReplyDeleteFor sure I would want to know about "buggers'!!
Deb
With friends like that, who needs enemies?! We all know when we're not looking our best, but no-one needs to be reminded of it. All we can do is be ourselves (on good days and bad days) and keep on, keeping on!
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone!
ReplyDeletethanks for the kind words! Sorry to be such a whiner...I was just feeling frustrated that she keeps picking at me, and won't listen. I just have to remember to keep returning her un-kindness with love and kindness.