Have you ever heard the expression, “Open mouth, insert foot”? Do you know what it means? Well, if someone’s saying it to you, you’ve probably said something you shouldn’t have.

It begs the questions: Do you think before you speak? Do you think before you tweet? Before you send an email?

I’m often astounded by the things that some people will say in a public forum (And if you think email isn’t public, guess again. Once you’ve clicked “send”, it’s out there and can be shared with anybody.) Whether it’s drunken blathering online after you’ve had one too many or eviscerating peers (or anyone else, for that matter) because you’ve had a bad day (or because you’ve let your emotions get the better of you), the stuff that people put out for public consumption is nothing short of dizzying.

Turn on your inner monologue.

First of all, if you’ve been drinking, just put your iPhone AWAY. Power it down. Give it to a designated texter. Something. When your judgment and inhibitions have gone out the window, your reputation could easily follow them.

If someone says something that you view as inflammatory — something that gets your hackles up — take a few steps away from your computer before you even consider a response. Sure, it can sometimes feel good to craft incendiary blog comments, emails that tell your nemesis what a jackhole he or she is, or tweets that REALLY put people in their place. I guarantee you, though, the moment you click “send”, you’ll be awash in a tidal wave of regret. EDIT …  UNDO! Control Z! Sorry. It’s already out there. I don’t care how quick you think you might be with your mouse, even if you click “delete”, there’s someone out there who’s saved your idiocy for posterity and who’s likely more than happy to shine a spotlight on you and your big mouth.

Some of the worst offenses come from people who blatantly disrespect others, who make a habit of belittling people because they think it makes them look smart. It doesn’t. If you have a problem with someone, or with something they’ve done — whether you know them or not — do them the courtesy of expressing so OUT of the public forum. Send an email. Make a phone call. Do something other than publicly ridiculing them. The first reason is that it’s just the decent thing to do. The second reason is that when you make it a practice to treat people poorly in the public domain, it doesn’t so much hurt their reputation as it makes you look like a bullying jerk.

So people. PLEASE use your heads. If you’re unsure about something you’re getting ready to say, DON’T say it.

Think before you tweet.

Photo credit: platinumblondelife