We have all said things better left unsaid, blurting out a thoughtless remark we wish we could take back.  There seems to be an impulse in the back of our minds prompting us with a sharp retort that may be inappropriate or hurtful.  The advent of Facebook has made this a more frequent occurrence.  It’s even easier to be sarcastic as part of a group and toward a faceless individual.

Author Edgar Allan Poe blamed such careless comments on the “imp of the perverse”.

It’s a paradox.  You struggle to delete something from your thoughts and try not to remember it later!  Suppressing unwanted thoughts consumes energy; when we are stressed or anxious, they may just slip out.

Have you uttered a phrase such as the following only to immediately wish you could unsay it?

You are so dense…
You don’t give a damn!
Would you like feedback on…
Who farted?
I don’t like your…
You’re overreacting.
That brown dress makes you look like a potato.
Try not to think about it too much.
Why don’t you just grow up?
You were too good for him/her
It’s not fair…
Maybe what I’m about to say is stupid, but…
I told you so!
You look great for your age.
You’re making a big problem out of nothing!
You don’t love me…
Does your train of thought have a caboose?
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until they speak.
Oh… I didn’t tell you.  Then it must be none of your business.
Never miss a good chance to shut up
I’m not arguing. I’m simply explaining why I’m right.
Group hug. (at the end of an important meeting.)
You look just fine.
Do you think you really need another drink?
I hate to break this to you but…
Why yes honey, those pants do make your butt look big.

The next time you say something you wish you hadn’t, don’t feel too embarrassed by your impulsive gaffe –apologize and move on.  We are all human and we all make mistakes.  Given the difficulty of keeping unwanted thoughts to ourselves, it’s a wonder we don’t “open mouth and insert foot” more often.

The road is easier together,