Have you ever stopped to think about what those little jabs, side comments, or insults disguised as "jokes" do to the person they are directed at?
Have you ever thought about how their heart breaks when they hear those words? Have you considered the damage they can cause?
Words can be like tiny arrows that pierce the heart. The wounds may not be visible, but they are real. Over time, those wounds can deepen. A person can lose confidence, begin to doubt their worth, slip into depression, and in some cases, even contemplate ending their life. You never truly know what your words are capable of doing.
Those careless comments you make about someone's body, finances, appearance, status, or circumstances—especially things they have little or no control over—can leave lasting scars. They can make people lose their self-esteem and see themselves as less than they are. They begin to focus on what they believe are their inadequacies instead of recognizing their strengths.
They start trying to fit in when, in reality, they were born to stand out.
And that is heartbreaking.
Those intentional insults thrown at others just to get a laugh or boost an ego can do more damage than we realize. If the tables were turned and you were on the receiving end, how would you feel?
The truth is, most of us cannot handle even a fraction of what we dish out to others.
Sometimes, we laugh and call it a joke even when we know the other person is uncomfortable.
We say things like:
"It's just play joor."
"Why are you taking it so seriously?"
"You too dey mind things."
But here's the truth: if someone is hurt, then it is no longer just a joke.
At that point, it becomes disrespect.
It becomes a violation of boundaries.
And it needs to stop.
Our words have power. They can build people up or tear them down. They can heal or they can hurt.
So choose your words carefully.
Choose words that encourage.
Choose words that uplift.
Choose words that leave people better than you met them.
Because while you may never see the emotional scars your words leave behind, they are often there.
And sometimes, they hurt far more than you could ever imagine.