This word keeps launching itself at me like an army of arrows because it knows how to multiply itself.
Sometimes it comes from other people but mostly it comes from myself. It is an absolutely horrible word, one I never inflict on others.
I loathe this word and wish it could be eradicated from the English dictionary so that I didn’t have to feel its continual prongs, taunts and its arrogance.
There are lots of other words that compete with this one but they are often shouted out of the picture because this word wants to be the boss.
This word knows its finger-freezing power; this word delights in disseminating misery and guilt; this word bides its time and then leaps from unexpected places and doesn’t unclench its jaws until it has extracted blood.
If you respond to this word, sometimes it will lick your blood up, swallow it and give you a kiss of approval; sometimes it will leave you alone for awhile so that you can torture yourself the way it wants you to.
The only way of escaping this word is by ignoring it. Eventually it will give up.
And what is this word?
SHOULD
jmgoyder 
‘should’ is one of the most meaningless, useless, judgmental, preposterous, ridiculous, infuriating, ignorant words in our language. Oh, and did I mention it’s a really stupid word, as well?
Ah, your response is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Thank you!
It’s a shame it enjoys some of the same keys on the keyboard as other useful words or there would be a solution 😉
I agree! I don’t mind ‘would’ and ‘could’ but ‘should’ should be banished – ha!
The very mention of that ‘s’ word makes me grit my teeth, spit venom and curse every letter in it, but I believe I have used it more often that I should !
I feel lucky to have such kindred spirits on this issue (sorry, that sounds a bit spammy!)
should would be banished if everyone could agree to that … do you think they could or would?? We don’t think they should because that would cause too much pressure … but they could could’nt they?
There is no need to confuse me – haha!
I so agree Jules! There a couple others I’d add. But should has such condentations to it that is is a perfect choice.
Anything that implies ‘have to” I tend to run from.~
Thanks Baroness – how come people don’t get this? Juliexx
i could not agree more – obligations are soul numbing and sap creativity – I like doing things because I want to, or delight in them – when they become “shoulds” all the light is removed and only a bad shade of grey remains
I think your phrase “soul numbling” is brilliant – thanks!
My Mom and I had a discussion about this word back in January…it’s amazing how hard it is to talk and not use this word…
I know! I say it to myself almost constantly and SHOULD stop doing this to myself – haha!
If you ignore it, it should go away.
I hope so – thanks Tom. Jx
I have two neighbors and a nephew who should bite their tongue every time they utter it. Why, in no time at all they would be rendered incapable of speech… at least until they healed, and then perhaps they might remember not to use it ever again.
Your phrasing and imagery in this passage are powerful, Julie.
~ L
Ah so you know what I mean – ha!
Yes. Very unfortunately, I do. ~ L
That word is loaded with stress.
Sure is.
the word should,,,,,,all the should haves, should dos, too much when i am not in the mood but should be!!!
So true.
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I just tried but link didn’t work!
Yes – this post is great. Very hard to avoid using this word for me… I will try now. We need to replace ” I should” it with ” I want to” ~ and see how that feels 🙂
Yes, it is hard for me not to use this word against myself.
let’s try!
ok!
well written -when I hear myself repeating that word I get reminded by friends to stop “shoulding on myself”.
Ha!
I never looked at it that way. Interesting perspective – and dead on.
I have been amazed to find that so many people feel the same way about this word!
Don’t forget it’s close cousin, “ought”. 😉
Actually, there are things that I should do, and I know it. There are responsibilities and obligations that need meeting. And sometimes I even use the words in daydreaming, as in, “I really should get down to the museum and see that new exhibit”.
But when someone else starts with “You really should…” or “You know, you ought…” it can set my teeth on edge!
Yes and yes and yes!
when i was still working with patients one goal set was invariably to avoid and remove that word from their langauage. in session if used we would discuss the power of that word and why the need to use it. though hubby and i aspire to it’s destruction it sometimes creeps in and we have to take mindful action to remove it from the conversation. more people would benefit if they could take that word out of their vocabulary. but then there would be fewer people in need of a therapist or a priest for confession:)
It’s great to find out that I am not the only one who loathes this word!
The word lived up to its billing. Great post.
Thanks!
Should have, could have, didn’t…………………..so stop saying should…………….although it is not my most hated word…….
What is your most hated word?
my response to all ‘shoulds’ … without fail. BITE ME! sooner or later, the message gets across!
Do you actually say that to people? Wow – good on you!
I say it all the time! No one has taken me up on it yet, but I don’t get a lot of s words anymore either. people (oh damn it) s#@#&$ find another word to use when they want to tell you what they think you (oh crap) s@#$$% do. What the hell Jules….we NEED an alternative!
Thanks for the belly laugh – you are wonderful!
If it got you in the belly…then I’m happy. That’s where all the best ones come from, followed closely by the ones that go through your nose! a bit gross, but always worth it. 😆
Yes I’ve done that nose thing a couple of times – embarrassing!
It is, but it always make the laughter last longer!
Laughter – bring it on!
Absofuckinglutely. Now THERE’S a word to stand behind!
Is that in the dictionary? Hahahahaha!
It’s in MINE. I’ve accumulated quite a few new words since becoming a blogger…this is one of my favorites!
May I borrow the word every now and then? haha
It’s yours dear lady…use it often…it’s a pisser!
I adore you!
It’s mutual!
Blood sisters!
(you knew this was coming right?)
absofuckinglutely!
My new mantra!
My dear philosopher…. I agree with you. Thank you, love, nia
Thank you nia!
It’s a judgmental word.
Yes.
Getting a lot of unsolicited, unwelcome advice, Julie?
Yes but not from bloggers and mainly from myself – ha!
I probably should leave a comment here……..Wait! I just did! I guess now I should move on……..lol
Very funny!