Reasons We Use Cross Words

 

Taken from "The Weight of Your Words"

by Joseph M. Stowell

We use cross words for a number of different reasons.  Here is a brief list of the most common reasons for our verbal outbursts:

• Anger.  Anger is like an inner explosion searching for an outlet.  A common escape valve is the tongue.  Angry people are frequently quarrels looking for a place to happen.

• Irritation.  Sharp words often result from irritation that is produced when people interrupt or interfere with our well-ordered lives.

• Disappointment.  If our disappointment in a person or a situation is strong enough, our words will reflect it.  Unrealized expectations are painful, and our disappointment shows up in our speech.

• Impatience.  Impetuous spirits have a tendency to let loose with verbal outbursts before giving the situation appropriate thought.

• Stress.  People in frequent emotional "overload" tend to have shorter verbal fuses than those who live in an organized, relaxed environment.

• Insecurity.  Insecure people may resort to sharp, intimidating, critical words in order to project a sense of strength and security.  Unfortunately, their cross words only weaken relationships and compound insecurity.

• Guilt.  When guilty people are confronted, they often respond sharply.  Retorts such as "Who do you think you are?" or "I suppose you think you're perfect!" are the barbed defense mechanisms spoken by a person with a guilty conscience.