"Hate" is a four letter word

Here’s something that my grandmother said to me when I was very young: “Never use the word ‘hate.’” She told me I should never say “I hate you” or “I hate this” or “I hate…” something. “Hate,” she explained, is a very strong, very negative, very damaging word to use.

My grandmother’s message has certainly stuck, and I’m really glad it has. I honestly can’t remember the last time I said I hated someone. But if I do utter the word, it’s always in response to something that is severely wrong or to an extremely uncomfortable situation.

On the topic of “bad” words, it also bothers me when people—especially kids—call people “stupid” or say something “sucks.” These words can be hurtful, and when they come out of your mouth you come across as being disrespectful. So why say them?

Xoxo,
David