I grew up in the era where I commonly heard, “Sticks & Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” It makes sense on the surface and offers some excellent advice if the one saying it has the confidence to brush off words of insult or attempts to hurt through those words.
Having three grandchildren has given me a mission to teach them that friends, acquaintances, family members, are human and from time to time, they may accidentally say things that seem hurtful. Hopefully, those people will apologize when they say them. If not, don’t keep it inside; tell someone if it becomes a pattern. The cell phone brings ease with which someone can text you hurtful words. Not seeing their body language, hearing the words with their tone, or discussing in person has made it that much more confusing for our youth to determine which conversations are worth considering. But again, if these conversations of hurt are a pattern, time to consider the value of the relationship.
Strangers in random conflicts may also insult them. In those situations, understand they may be speaking from emotion, not because they have insight on who you are, but do not give their words a single moment of power if it is hurtful or meant to control you.
I believe it all comes down to the confidence we all have in ourselves, and the confidence we instill in our children and all youth we encounter.
Keep SAFE!
Chris Roberts, Managing Director
www.safeinternational.biz