Stupid, ugly word

I really, really, really, super hate it when people use the "F" swear word on Facebook. It's an ugly word and it's never necessary. There are so many other ways to get your message across. I realize it's just a word and it's my choice to be offended, but people use it because they know that it has a shocking effect on people. They know it's a swear word and they're trying to get attention. Or they're just lazy...that's always a possibility.

Yes, I have been known to ask people to refrain from using it when I'm around. There are those that are jerks and keep using it afterward BECAUSE they know for sure that I won't like it. To those people I want to say (with extreme sarcasm): "Oooh! Look how cool and edgy you are, using a word that no one else in the whole world has ever used to display their dissonance with the rest of the world. Wow. You really put me in my place."

Even worse is when the offender uses the word because they are angry about something, and when someone says something to them about the swearing the offender gets defensive and starts berrating me for focusing on the word instead of the very valid difficulties they are going through. Guess what? I care about you and will help in any way I can, but when you use language you KNOW is going to offend people, you distract them from the important issue and push them away. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who is so self-involved they don't show any respect even to people who love them.

Sometimes the WAY you say something is just as important as the actual message you are trying to convey.

Happily, once in awhile someone says that they respect that I was brave enough to stick up for myself. Then they are careful to use more respectful language around me. I know can't control whether they do or not, and if they slip up afterward I don't get offended because I know they're trying, but I'm glad that I did what I could. Sometimes people just don't realize I am offended, and if I'm nice they'll be nice back.

I hate the "F" word. I've never needed to use it, and I hope I never do. Its yucky connotation pains me every time I hear it.

Now to try to remember how to block those people's posts from showing up on my feed, and to decide if it's even worth doing. Sigh...