A very common event that happens to almost all of us is the loss in our family from either death or common family fights. If you find yourself involved in a family fight, take the time to asses the situation before you speak. What you say can and will affect those around you and quite possibly yourself. For example; your family just lost an uncle in the family that had some money and a lot of personal belongings. The things that are said about your uncle need to be important and need to be done in respect. It all starts with one person. If you show respect by saying respectful things, your family will follow.

Be cautious on what you say when it comes to someone's feelings. You may find yourself in a situation that involves you being a comforter. A family member or close friend just heard some terrible news, what do you do. Be there to help them through the situation by listening and choosing your words wisely. You don't want to make the situation worse by saying something that can be hurtful or turned around. Take the time to think before you speak. And speak softly, so the person you are helping knows that you are showing compassion.

Humor is a great way to keep a conversation light and fun. But be careful on what you joke about or the subject of your humor. What you say may offend someone and their beliefs. We are all different and believe a lot of different things. Everyone has an opinion and it may be different than yours. If you find yourself in this situation, be quick to apologize and tell them you didn't mean anything personal by it. When you are in a situation that involves you becoming upset, work at not taking the comment that was said to you personal. The person that said it more than likely didn't mean to offend you. If you have become offended, let the other person know. Do it respectfully and tactfully. You don't need to offend that person also. It will only make the situation worse.

Another situation you need to take caution in is speaking to and around young children and young adults. We all know that they are "sponges" and remember everything. What you say to them or around them will set them up for how they act. Be careful of the common rule, "Do as I say, not as I do", you are the example. The reaction you have to a situation will also affect them. Say your child spills his milk and cereal, how do you react? If you jump and attack the situation, the child is going to feel hurt and degraded; but if you handle the situation with compassion and calmness, they will know they did wrong, but will also know that mistakes happen. Children are learning everyday and you are the teacher. Take your time and be very patient with children. We have all been where that child is.