Do you remember it?

The first time you dropped an f-bomb in front of someone you shouldn’t? The horror, as the word flew of your mouth before you could stop it.

Maybe it was your teacher.

Maybe it was a neighbor.

Maybe it was your mom.

Your dad.

Your grandparents.

What about the first time you dropped it in front of a client? Do you remember?

I do.

I was horrified. I swear (haha), it was like an out of body experience. My whole body went numb and I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole. My fingers were tingling and I think I probably tried to stammer an apology. But guess what?

My client thought it was AMAZING.
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that the person on the other side of the divide is human. That they have good days, and bad days. That they have moods just like us all. Not everyone swears, but for some, holding in that expletive is just as inauthentic as someone who doesn’t swear, trying to.

My client didn’t think I was less professional because I let one fly. In fact, it opened up the space for my client to use than language if she felt the need to (and she did). A well placed expletive can release tension, provide a much needed moment of laughter, or even, believe it or not, form a bond between two people in a shared situation.

Be true to yourself. Use the language that makes you who you are. If that means cursing occasionally and authentically, do it. I do!

You might be inspiring someone to relax and be true to their voice, by being true to yours.