“I’m not racist, but…”
“I’m a Christian, but…”
“I don’t want to say anything, but…”
Anyone can talk about what they don’t like, AND… if you start a conversation with any of the above sentences, I will nip you in the bud faster than most.
Words matter.
When we starts a sentence with a statement we deem to be true, then add the famous, “BUT” to it, we are lying about what we just said. What ever comes out next, is more so what we really think.
It is easy to complain and excuse our words. Especially if we think others will agree with us. And it is super uncomfortable to be called out for what you say, when it doesn’t go over so well.
Once, when Sandie and I were in NYC, we came across a wall full of little sticky notes with quotes on them. We were invited to add some words of wisdom of our own.
Sandie, wrote, “Be Nice.”
It may not be easy, BUT, it sure is simple… Be nice, AND leave your but out of it!