HI! I’m an addict named Peridot. As a counselor, I have had many describe my “style” as raw and real, which often includes a variety of idioms I use in my communication with the people I’m trying to help. On a personal level, however, well, I would describe myself the same way. I have found that most people appreciate my honest and direct approach, even if they’re not quite ready to hear what I have to say. Though admittedly there have also been a few people, and I do mean a few, who have taken issue with how I talk. Therefore, I feel compelled to issue a warning before I go any further with my blog: if you are offended by the following words or phrases, proceed with caution in reading my blog: FUCK (and all variations thereof, such as FUCKING, FUCKIN’, FUCKED, FUCK YOU, FUCK OFF, HOLY FUCK, MOTHERFUCKER, etc.), CRAP, SHIT, SHITTY, BULLSHIT, PISS, PISSED, PISSED OFF, ASS, ASSHOLE, BASTARD, BITCH, SON OF A BITCH, WHORE, SON OF A WHORE, SLUT, DAMN, DICK, PRICK, BALLS (actually I usually use the phrase, HOLY BALLS!), PUSSY, HOLY HELL, HOLY SHIT, and, yes, I should probably add CUNT to the list. Although it is only in extremely rare cases I use that word, I have been known to say it so, there you go, it’s on the list. Disclaimer: this might not be an exhaustive list. These are just the words and phrases I can think of right now off the top of my head that I am known to use in my everyday communication, for better or for worse. Some might refer to the use of these terms as “swearing”, “vulgar”, “colorful language”, or “offensive.” I call it “real, raw, straight talk.” AND, let us never forget…I warned you!
Since I started this topic I might as well elaborate. As mentioned in my bio, I’ve been an addiction counselor for over eight years now. I’ve worked with thousands of addicts. I’ve facilitated countless education and process groups using the language I dare say many of us typically use. But every once in a while, some dude (it’s always a dude, never a chic) will have a problem with my language. Let me add, they don’t have a problem with male counselors using the same language I do, just with me for some reason. Some patients have even taken their complaints to my supervisor…NOT COOL!!! Why is that not cool? It’s not cool because yesterday you were stuck, geeking in a damn trap house, where you’d been for days with all kinds of crazy shit going on, including hearing and you yourself using, a potpourri of vulgar language. How do I know this? Because I too spent time in that trap house. I’m not new dumbass!!!! (Maybe I should go back and add that to my list…hahaha) That was yesterday. Now today, you walk through the doors of a treatment program and you’re all fucking righteous and shit! Overnight you’ve become a Godly man, a preacher again touting the bible. Today the words ‘hell’ and ‘damn’ offend you. Get the fuck outta here!!!!!
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I love it. Sometimes people who are raw make me feel a little uncomfortable. I think that is good tho. Reflecting on my treatment this far I find I learned the most when I dealt with those not so comfy feelings head on. Yeah fuck I got bigger things to worry about when it comes to people’s style. I agree and say get the fuck over yourself and figure out what you can do to help yourself rather than worry about the sanctity of language. But..Like my dearest grandmother used to say “Fuck it!”
Thanks, man! I know for me, if you feed me a bunch of sugar packets, I’m going to ignore you or manipulate the hell out of you, probably both. I need Thor’s hammer to come down hard on top of my head in order for me to have even a chance at “getting it”! Keep coming back! PEACE ☮☮☮
I can appreciate the raw, no-holds-barred language of the people I speak with. Most times you won’t hear me using vulgarity in public due to my having been in the public eye and having done some public speaking. Otherwise, I see people being offended by that type of direct speech as feeling attacked… as if you’re directly pointing out a flaw that they would rather have buried.
Hi, Tabitha. Thanks for your comment. Yeah, I think it’s definitely important to know your audience and understand that even within that particular audience there will be some people who won’t appreciate your style. And I think you’re exactly right about people feeling attacked and the reason being is because you’re speaking to a flaw or some character defect they’re not ready to look at. That was me for most of my life. Hell, I can still feel some kind of way when someone “points something out” to me about me! However, I am getting better about taking a step… Read more »