Originally posted by Tonya
Yeah, Twister. I hear ya. The word that I use is "gay". Like if something is lame, I say "That's gay." Well, two of my closest friends are a lesbian couple. I said it in front of them the other day, and for the first time thought about my choice of words. Luckily, we've been friends for so long that they don't care...but I hadn't even thought about what I was saying until then.

And, that is exactly how you learn, Tonya. My sister cured me of the "retard" habit by ALWAYS saying, "don't use that word that way, it isn't right".....and that taught me. It is like you and me, we used it, without ill intent, not thinking.

So, G.P. girl...I would say, "ugh, don't use that word like that"....in a light way, with something between a smile and a grimace. I imagine most people will say, "Why"? Educate them, OR, more simply, share your feelings with them. And, best of all, lead by example.