We need to rethink the word ‘just.’ Not as in being a just person, which is a fine use of the word, but rather the way I hear women (why is it men do not do this?) use it time and time again. Tonight I went to a new memoir writer’s group, where a lovely women answered the door.
Is it possible as females we “just” don’t want to make men uncomfortable so we present ourselves as “just little old me”? I have an awful lot of southern baggage to unload and being a doormat is right at the top of the list. It’s just me, I’m just a girl, I’m just going to stop now and thanks for the enlightening read today Christine.
I am in complete agreement, Chris!!! Thank YOU! As a Nurse and Educator, I always cringe when I hear someone say, "I'm JUST a nurse". Like: "Are you the doctor?" "No, I'm just the nurse."
JUST the nurse?!!? ... with 4, 5, 6, 8 years of education and how many years of experience, at the bedside 8-12 hours (not at the end of the bed for 5 minutes)?
I always told my students, "I better NEVER hear you say, 'I'm JUST a nurse'!"
50¢ I will agree to after I comment here. I think "just" is a way to make something small, to diminish behavior or intention. It's "just" a cookie. It's "just" five minutes. It's "just" a joke. "So don't make a big deal out of _____ (whatever it is)." "And don't blame me for _______ (whatever it is)." Just sayin'. ;)
Profound, girlfriend. As you said, words matter. I’m watching to see if men use that word, because if they don’t then that’s even more suppressive and demeaning. Years of programming and we…..I won’t say it. I don’t want to owe you $50.
Okay, after all, it's "just" a bet . . .
Is it possible as females we “just” don’t want to make men uncomfortable so we present ourselves as “just little old me”? I have an awful lot of southern baggage to unload and being a doormat is right at the top of the list. It’s just me, I’m just a girl, I’m just going to stop now and thanks for the enlightening read today Christine.
I am in complete agreement, Chris!!! Thank YOU! As a Nurse and Educator, I always cringe when I hear someone say, "I'm JUST a nurse". Like: "Are you the doctor?" "No, I'm just the nurse."
JUST the nurse?!!? ... with 4, 5, 6, 8 years of education and how many years of experience, at the bedside 8-12 hours (not at the end of the bed for 5 minutes)?
I always told my students, "I better NEVER hear you say, 'I'm JUST a nurse'!"
You tell 'em, girlfriend!!!
50¢ I will agree to after I comment here. I think "just" is a way to make something small, to diminish behavior or intention. It's "just" a cookie. It's "just" five minutes. It's "just" a joke. "So don't make a big deal out of _____ (whatever it is)." "And don't blame me for _______ (whatever it is)." Just sayin'. ;)
Profound, girlfriend. As you said, words matter. I’m watching to see if men use that word, because if they don’t then that’s even more suppressive and demeaning. Years of programming and we…..I won’t say it. I don’t want to owe you $50.