20th January 2006 Friday

Was chatting with a friend last night when she touched on a topic that got me thinking. She was saying how so many a time, we say things because it was appropriate to do so at that time and at that place and not because we really do mean it. Consider:

How many times have you said "See you" with a mind to really make an effort to see the person again?
How many times have you said "Keep in touch" with a mind to really make an effort to keep in contact with the person?
How many times have you said "Sorry" with a mind never to do it to him/her ever again?
How many times have you said "I promise" only to break it the next moment?
How many times have you said "I will never leave" only to leave him/her alone in the end?

Do we really understand the significance of our words before we let it out of our mouths? Have we ever seriously considered how others will be affected by our words before we let it out of our mouths? Have we ever tried making sure that we really do mean what we say before we let it out of our mouths?

We have always lamented about being hurt by the words of others but have we ourselves ever really made an effort not to become the person that hurts others with our words? Words are so simple and yet so powerful......