Words Do Matter, Even If You're "Kidding"

You called a six year old girl on the playground stupid. When she got upset and told the teacher, you said you were just kidding and didn't really mean it. The girl forgot about it the next day, and the teacher blew it off. Boys tease girls that they like. 

You called a twelve year old girl in class nerdy. When she was offended and complained to her mom, you said you were just joking around. She didn't take it as a joke, but everyone else let it go. Boys will be boys. 

You called a sixteen year old girl in the cafeteria a slut. When she felt hurt and explained it to her friends, they told her it was because you wanted her. Because you liked her. She was stung by the comment, but everyone told her to forget about it. Boys insult girls that they want.

You called an eighteen year old girl easy. You said she was too feisty. Too sassy all the time. You told her she was angry all the time and that she constantly had the face of a bitch. You said she needed to do her hair and make-up differently because it would make her look better. You told her to stop talking about things that made her happy because she talked about them for too long and you just didn't want to hear about it. You made fun of her every move. 

She was damaged by every single insult, but you habitually said you were just fucking around and didn't actually mean it. She complained to her friends, but they told her to take a joke once in awhile and to not be so uptight. Boys tease girls that they like. Boys will be boys. Boys insult girls that they want. 

But I bet you didn't know that the girl you insulted for personal amusement cried about it. She tried to change herself to make you stop insulting her, but it never ended. You abused her so badly that she thought about hurting herself. She hasn't gotten there yet, but she could. You wounded her every time you spoke to her, and you didn't even notice, nor did you care. 

Make sure you think about what you're saying before you say it. Make sure the psychological damage to that girl is worth your personal pleasure and your friends' laughter and respect. Make sure her emotional instability is worth your insincere friendships that are based on your ability to degrade that girl. Make sure it's worth it. 

Sticks and stones may break bones, but words definitely break minds and hearts. There is always some truth behind every insult, whether you say you're kidding or not. Think before you speak, because that girl is an emotional wreck due to the wounds and pain you have inflicted on her.