STFU (Updated)

These are saying that I hate. People say them because they can’t think of anything better to say. To hear them is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.

• It is what it is. What the eff is this supposed to mean? What IS IT? I can’t think of a phrase that is used more that could mean less.
• When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Come a little closer and I’ll show you how I like to make lemonade when I shove those lemons in one of your orifices. This is such a callous thing to say to someone. Basically you’re telling them that their problems are insignificant. Tread carefully should you choose to say this one within striking distance of me.
• What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. While there is some truth to this statement, very rarely is it something a person wants to hear. Shut up.
• For the good/needs of the Corps. This basically allows the Marine Corps to screw you all the while saying that your problems/needs/wants don’t matter so long as the situation benefits the Marine Corps. I actually saw a bumper sticker type of thing at the legal office on Cherry Point that said something to the effect of if your needs/wants/goals/problems are first in your life, you need to get a new job. I’m not kidding either. I can only shake my head.
• Because I said so. I hated hearing it as a kid and I do my best not to say it to my kids (Yes, I’ve said it to them before but I consciously try not to.). It’s such a copout. When I’m telling my kids no or telling them to do something, I like to explain my reasoning because more often than not, when they understand why something is, it helps to avoid arguments. I also believe respect is a two way street.

There are tons of other sayings that I hate but I can’t think of them right now. Maybe people have good intentions when saying these things, but you know what they say about good intentions…

Feel free to leave a comment with a saying that you find annoying, irritating, insensitive, or just plain stupid.

2/2/10 Additions:

This one came to me from my sister-in-law via Facebook:

• You're strong. You'll get through this. She says, and I agree, that strength oftentimes has little to do with surviving. You get through something because you have little other choice. I also think that's a strength in itself though; to get through something and not give up.

My next one was inspired by the previous saying:

• Don't worry. You'll get through it. Do you have any idea how useless it is to tell someone not to worry about their problems? If you have something staring you in the face, what else are you supposed to do but worry about how the situation is going to be resolved? The only way not to worry, imo, is if you don't care. If you don't care, then it's not really a problem after all.