Watch What you Say

One day when I was in grade school I called my brother a name. Apparently he desired to prove me correct, because he quickly went to our mother and told on me.

My mother confronted me with my alleged crime. I chuckled and said, “That means cat.”

To which my mother replied, “And why are you calling your brother a cat?” Obviously she wasn’t buying my explanation.

“Well, it also means being a woman,” I stammered.

“And what is wrong with being a woman?” asked my mother, who happens to be a woman.

I felt cornered, but I thought quickly. “Nothing, unless you are a guy. It’s an insult if you are a guy.” I was relieved when my mother told me to never use that word again, which I didn’t. At least not until I was alone with my brother. He didn’t tell on me again.

I’m much more careful with my language now. We never know when someone—such as a customer— might overhear our comments. It’s not that I am so concerned about offending people, but I see no reason to do so accidentally. I much prefer to offend people intentionally, particularly when they act like a cat.

Even inadvertent and seemingly innocent comments regarding politics, religion, or other topics can offend someone. While I think many people are far too sensitive, there is a time and place for such comments. Your customer’s home is not one of them.

© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008