It’s part of human nature. Sometimes we get so emotional about something that we forget to think before we speak. It’s like something paralyzes our rational and logical brain, and in the process, our emotional brain lets words come out of our mouths that never should have.
However, some people do it more regularly than others. And if you want to learn how to think before you speak, you have come to the right place.
Some people may have been taught by their parents to think before words come out of their mouths. But many others have not.
If you are in the latter category, then you will want to seriously think about these very important reasons why you should think before you say something you shouldn’t.
1. Your words reflect who you are
The words you use determine your character. They affect not only yourself but also how people perceive you and what kind of person they think you are.
2. Words have power
I’m sure that you are aware of the politically correct language movement. Basically, it’s changing words to nicer ones. For example, back in the 1970s, people used to use the word “retarded” to describe a person who was mentally slower than average.
But since then, people have started using it as an insult. The point is that if you make the words nicer, then they will not hold as much negativity.
3. Words can hurt (or help) people
Words have power, and part of this power can be good or “evil.” What you say to a person can hurt them—emotionally and mentally.
And even though the saying goes “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” it is not true—words do hurt. But they can also help. So, it’s important to make sure that the words you use help people instead of hurting them.
4. Your emotions can make you say things you don’t mean
I’m sure you’ve been angry at someone and said something that hurt them. And after you calmed down.
When you are angry, it shuts down the logical part of your brain and then your emotions rule yourself. And then when the emotional part of your brain doesn’t act as a filter for your words, you might say things you don’t mean.
5. You might have assumed intention on the other person’s part
You might be upset at someone because you thought they had intentions to hurt you. Then, as a result, you might lash out at them because of it.
But not everyone has the intention of hurting you. Sometimes, people say things that are interpreted as the opposite of what they intended. So, make sure you talk with them to see what they actually mean before you assume anything.
6. You might be overreacting
When we think someone said or did something hurtful to us, our emotions tend to go through the roof. Our automatic instinct is to explode.
But that could very well be an overreaction. As stated above, you should instead make sure that what they said warrants your emotional outburst because many times it doesn’t.
7. Your relationship with other people (or situation) doesn’t warrant your words
It’s one thing to explode in anger to your sibling, best friend, or spouse, but it’s another thing to do it to your boss or another superior. You need to assess whether you are about to say is appropriate for the kind of relationship you have with a certain person.
By the same token, you also need to think about the situation. If it’s a time, say, when you are at work or a company party, then it’s best to keep your mouth shut and talk later.
