THERE ARE CERTAIN WORDS YOU DON'T TELL PEOPLE, EVEN AS A JOKE_ BY IBUKUNOLUWA ODUNTAN.

Bullying is not just by action; it can also come in the form of words. Imagine telling someone, "You have two left legs," "See how black you are," "Poverty ambassador," and so on. Whatever words you say to people in the name of jokes that are derived from their appearance, condition, privacy, or secrets shared with you are no longer jokes.

It is an indirect way of harassing them, sabotaging their confidence, and damaging their self-esteem.

And in most cases, those words are long-held thoughts coming from the heart of the speaker.

Sadly enough, it is so rampant among people nowadays that it has become the norm of the day.

You don't know how much the people you say these things to are hurting. You don't know the ego, confidence, and self-worth you may have destroyed with those careless words wrapped as jokes.

The fact that they laughed at it in your presence doesn't mean they are not hurt in your absence when they are alone.

For some people, those words came from their siblings, parents, neighbours, or friends while they were growing up. That is why you see some grown men and women who cannot even stand before an audience or address a large group of people because their confidence was stolen long ago by careless and nonchalant words.

Jokes can be simple and still make people laugh. Jokes can serve the purpose of fun and joy and still be harmles

Sometimes, what we call "cruise" is actually cruelty in disguise. A few seconds of laughter is never worth a lifetime of insecurity for another person.9

I think one of the best prayers every person should pray is that God grants us the grace to tame our mouths and know the right words to say when joking with people.

Words can build, and words can destroy. May we always choose to use ours wisely.

Till I write to you again. ✍️

 © Ibukunoluwa Oduntan

 || SPOKEN WORD|| WRITER.

  - Nigeria