$@&%#!

Swearing. Let's be honest, we all do it. We see swear words on TV, in books, and especially in the hallways at school. Naturally, it becomes a habit for ourselves, after being around it all the time. Right now, I'm at the point where those words just slip out before I can censor them. My biggest fear is that I'll swear in front of the kids I babysit or something, which would NOT be good. So, starting now, I, Greta Hallberg, solemnly swear to stop swearing and break my horrible habit. Here's why:

The reason people use swear words is because they are powerful. Not always in a good way, mind you. But there is definitely a sense of power when swear words are used. They can show just how emotional you are when talking about something you are passionate about. Sometimes, when you're really angry or upset, a swear word can help relieve some of that tension. Now, I'm not endorsing swearing at all, but I fully recognize that there is a time and place for everything. However, what I am trying to stop doing, is swearing in everyday situations, especially when joking with my friends. The thing of it is, if people continue to swear all the time, the words lose their meaning. They don't have as much of an impact. As a result, when you actually are really emotional and want to get a point across and do use a swear word, people don't necessarily take it to mean something important because the words have lost their impact. Do you see what I mean? It's a vicious cycle, a cycle I am desperately trying to end.

Another reason I want to break this awful habit, is that it's just not classy. For example, swear words are often used by illiterate people due to lack of vocabulary. I can think of countless examples in books where the uneducated characters swear up a storm! Swear words are often used in situations of high stress. (I'm thinking action movies here.) It's an instinctual reaction to stress, I get that. However, I would like to think of myself as an evolved being, to the point where reason and logic can overcome the natural instinct to sound like a sailor. Swear words have negative and angry connotation to them, and that's not how I want to come off. Finally, swearing is just not lady like. Don't get me wrong, I am a hardcore feminist, but I also think a certain value can be places on acting (and speaking!) like a lady.

So mark this day on your calendars, friends. As of December 21, 2010, Greta Hallberg has hereby decided to make a conscious effort to stop that potty mouth. :)