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Last week Joe and I went to a charity dinner for the Nevada Museum of Art. I wore the dress you see in the photo above – I got SO many compliments and I was SO comfortable… a double win when you are in this early awkward stage of pregnancy. What’s more, it is such a steal and definitely a piece you need in your closet!
But now to the important stuff…
Joe and I ended up having the most lovely night, but as soon as we finished our dessert, we said goodnight to our table and made our way to the door. I had to be up early for work the next day, and I didn’t want to keep our babysitter waiting.
On the way out, Joe had to use the restroom, so I stood outside the door waiting for him. An older man walked up, also to use the restroom, and asked if I was waiting. “No, I’m not… but my husband is in there,” I replied with a smile. We started chatting about the night, about the project the dinner was for, and before I knew it, Joe was out of the restroom and we were on our way.
As we pulled away from the dinner, Joe held my hand on the center console, and said, “Can I tell you something dumb?”
I gave him a look like – what the heck are you talking about? That is not a usual “Joe”comment. “Sure?” I said…
“When I was in the bathroom back there – and you said that – that I was your husband… I got the stupidest grin on my face, I love hearing you say that, and I am so proud that I get to be your husband.”
I was floored. My husband is many things – but sappy is not one of them. While other couples post novels about their love for their spouses on social media – the most I have ever gotten from Joe is: “Happy Birthday to my Baby Momma!” I kid you not… Expressing feelings is just not something Joe does a whole lot of. “I am so proud that I get to be your husband.” Those kind words made my heart swell, and they reminded me how much power our words have… for the good.
In direct contrast to that last story – our words also have immense power to hurt and to divide as well. Last week, Ashley and I were both horribly body shamed on Instagram. It was so hurtful, as people who don’t know us felt justified in commenting about our weights – cowards, sitting behind computers, cyber bullying us. I said to Ashley, “I can’t imagine the psyche of someone who sits on Instagram talking shit about people they don’t know.” And it’s true. I can’t. even. imagine.
Just last night I was reminded of this again, as a close friend told me about a horrible conversation she had with someone we both know – it made my skin crawl.
I’m writing this to remind everyone that your words have power, and only you have power over the words that come out of your mouth (or in this day and age, the words that are typed from your fingers.) Your words can hurt… your words can demean… your words can make people cry. Is that the kind of person you want to be? Is that how you want your words to speak? Or… your words can be kind. Your words can be supportive. Your words, like my husband’s, can show love.
We all have words… and the way in which we choose to use them speaks volumes about the people we are.
I hope you choose wisely.
