Sometimes people say things they don't mean. Have you ever done that? I know I have. If you're not sure, I'll tell you how you can recognize the situation. What ever you do, whatever you say, you immediately regret it. There is no period in which you felt like it was the right thing to do or say. The moment you realize you've done wrong is the exact moment it happens. As if you can see the words coming out of your mouth and you wish you could reach out, grab them and stuff them back in. It happens in the blink of an eye.
I think we've all been there. Usually you are mad at someone, and it's in our nature to have to win any argument that comes up, so we're constantly grasping for the key phrase that will add a sense of finality to the debate. Like, "This is my final statement, and it's so blunt and so truthful that there is no comeback for it, so don't even bother!" There. Done. I win.
Except, I don't win. In fact, it's at this moment that I lose. Why? Because just as I stated, there is no comeback. It's when I realize that what I said was so hurtful and the other person is so stunned, there is nothing left to say. I'm writing this post because I'm in a weird mood... I'm not reflecting on a recent event in my life. Although, I admit, I make this common mistake a little too often. I'm trying to learn that every time a dispute happens between me and someone else, that it's not an opportunity for me to one-up them. This post is a reminder to myself to be a little nicer, even when I don't agree with someone. Life really is too short to get all worked up over the little things. It's just a reminder to everyone: You don't always have to have the last word.
