The Other "S" Word
The other s word. It doesn't sound anything like the 4-letter one - except they both begin with "sh." And its definition isn't remotely close.
It Starts with "Sh"...
In the scope of this post, that's pretty apt. This word deserves shushing, because that's what it does when you use it. Plus, it shuts you both up and down.
Followed By an "O"...
O is okay. But in this word, it's used to create an overwhelming sense of disempowerment. There's nothing okay about that.
Which Needs Help From a "U"...
U is innocent on its own. In this context, though, it adds to the undermining quality of the s word. Not so innocent now, are you, u?
Don't Forget the "L"...
L is lovely, except when it lies. And that's what it does here: it lies and guilts.
Finish Up With a "D"...
D is for diminish, which sums up the vibe of the s word that hasn't been named, for all it's been spelled.
The S Word
The word is should, and it's a word that reeks of disempowerment.
- When you say, "I should," you're removing your choice.
- When you say, "You should," you're suggesting they can't have a choice.
Should is the one word my therapist asked me to strike from my vocabulary. That was 11 years ago, yet I still catch it insinuating itself into my thoughts and spoken words.It catches me up short, which is good. In those moments, I'm reminded that I can choose differently, and I exchange should for could.
