We had a rule when the girls were younger. When we told them to do something, they needed to be obedient first and then they could ask why. We’d answer questions after obedience.

With that guideline set, let me now admit…there have been so many times I wanted to scream “Because I said so!” Explanations are exhausting. Why can’t someone just listen and do what I say? It’s not just kids. I think if that was the case, I’d have an easier time being patient. I often had difficulty being patient with my kids because other people had pushed my buttons and tested my patience.

There’s more to the little statement of “because I said so” than it appears. Typically, we just shorten what we’re actually thinking.

“Because I said so and I have a lot more experience than you and don’t want you to have to go through unnecessary trials.”

“Because I said so and I’m exhausted and don’t have energy to give you any more explanation that that.”

“Because I said so and have no idea why. It’s just what I’ve always been told and words are flying out of my mouth so quickly that I’m saying things that confuse even me!”

We shorten what we’re saying, because we don’t want to give more explanation or don’t know what the “more” of our explanation would be. When I was in high school, I’d say “Don’t make fun” and didn’t give it a second thought until someone commented they thought it was a “cute” expression. Expression? For what? Then I realized I was shortening “Don’t make fun of me.”

When we shorten what we’re saying, sometimes we’re understood and sometimes we’re not. Wouldn’t it be easier to say what we mean…fully?

What expressions do you use that might be misunderstood?

What expressions have you heard that you misunderstood or found humorous?

Listen to yourself speak today and notice expressions that could be confusing or misunderstood or speech patterns that could be distracting. We all have them!

Wise people use knowledge when they speak but fools pour out foolishness. Proverbs 15:2