Last Sunday, I had a bit of an embarrassing moment that happened to me. Most of my close friends and family know that Martin is one of my favorite sitcoms. I found a nostalgic, free Martin app a few months ago and I sometimes post memes and gifs from it. The app also has filters that you can add to your photos. One of them is the photo you see pictured above. Somehow, I accidentally sent that filter to several people on Facebook. My phone must have sent it while it was in my pocket. Soon, I had family and friends messaging me and asking if I meant to send the message. Thankfully, it was a good laugh and no damage was done. 

However, this scenario reminded me of how many times we say things that can’t be so easily retracted. How many times have you been angry at someone and vented in person or in a text? It’s natural to be upset from time to time, but we should watch what we say. Those words we speak intentionally or accidentally can do irreversible damage depending on the person that receives them. Sometimes I type up an email draft or message and get it all out and then delete. I know, it sounds juvenile, but it works. 

We are not perfect people. There will definitely be times that we lash out and can’t take our words or actions back. Sometimes it’s hard to exercise caution with our words when we know we have been mistreated. We feel we are justified in saying ugly things that leave a lasting stench in our relationships.  Being irate in the heat of the moment could create a lifetime of consequence that can’t be undone. U mad? Get it out. Release the tension. You need it. You deserve it. However, be careful how you do it.