Elliot, unfortunately, I'm no stranger to foul language either, both from myself or others. I agree there are several negatives to using profanity, but I disagree that profane language has any positives. If we can abstain from using profanity and still empathize with our teammates; and if we can still communicate urgency without using profanity, we make our teams and our environments better. The best possible outcome of using profanity is that it brings us "down" to a lazier form of communication. At worst, we take others with us.

Having stated that belief, every time I use profanity, I put my "hypocrite" hat on.

When others use profanity, if I react by being offended, I separate myself. As times have changed, I shouldn't be surprised by what I hear. We may, like your mom, choose not to listen. I'd prefer my grandkids and my wife didn't have to hear it. But our world is choosing it more and more.

I want to train my kids or my grandchildren not to judge others, but to know that there are better ways to communicate. I believe we lift others up by choosing not to use profanity and also choosing not to be offended.

I'm only sad that there are times when I fall short and end up proving my own ability to be a hypocrite.