But, the two times I wish I had spoken differently, the ones that really prey on my mind, don't involve actual stupid speech...just stupid actions.
When I was teaching Computer Basics at the college I used to use Microsoft's Solitaire to teach mouse moves. (It teaches all 3 in an atmosphere of fun.) One woman had reached a stalemate and I showed her how to pull a card from the "Aces" pile and use it to win. She said, "I never knew you could do that." and I laughed. I laughed because I was tickled at meeting someone so honest that she wouldn't do what she thought was cheating. I regret never making a comment on that honesty.
The other time was in a mall where I saw the most stunningly beautiful baby I had ever seen. I did the "OOH" and "AAH" thing and ignored the 4 or 5-year old standing nearby. I really regret that and I've never done it again. Now, I always pay attention to the "big" kid and make only a passing remark on the baby.
Yes, been there done that... I need to be quick to hear and slow to speak. Many of times I have had to apologize for what I have said but, it's not the same thing as not saying it in the first place....
Sure, plenty of times. I have learned to think about what I'm planning on saying before I say it now, though. You wouldn't believe the impact that words really can have on people.
Sorry, God knows
But, the two times I wish I had spoken differently, the ones that really prey on my mind, don't involve actual stupid speech...just stupid actions.
When I was teaching Computer Basics at the college I used to use Microsoft's Solitaire to teach mouse moves. (It teaches all 3 in an atmosphere of fun.) One woman had reached a stalemate and I showed her how to pull a card from the "Aces" pile and use it to win. She said, "I never knew you could do that." and I laughed. I laughed because I was tickled at meeting someone so honest that she wouldn't do what she thought was cheating. I regret never making a comment on that honesty.
The other time was in a mall where I saw the most stunningly beautiful baby I had ever seen. I did the "OOH" and "AAH" thing and ignored the 4 or 5-year old standing nearby. I really regret that and I've never done it again. Now, I always pay attention to the "big" kid and make only a passing remark on the baby.
The baby doesn't give a flip.