Using inclusive words and words we don't even think about!

[Hannah Twinn]

I recently watched Laci Green's video on using the term partner* opposed to specifying whether you have a boyfriend/girlfriend that way those who are not comfortable with stating for certain reasons are able to be included in the conversation without having to 'out themselves'. This got me thinking about other 'inclusive terms/words/gestures/phrases' that one could use so as to not offend anyone. 

It also made me think how many offensive words are out there that are used in everyday conversation without a second thought. Not profanity but words such as 'crazy', I hadn't thought about how this could hurt someone because everyone I know, including myself, uses it so flippantly. One thing I personally find offensive is when people mime shooting themselves in the head or say 'this makes me want to kill myself' as someone whose best friend committed suicide I find this extremely distasteful and (although unintentionally) hurtful.  Don't even get me started on the over use of the term 'depressed'

I know these are mainly used as jokes but that is what makes them so much worse, they are making light of terrible things. I know this could be seen by some as being 'too politically correct' (or as I like to call it - just correct) but I think it's a serious matter that should be addressed.

Have you ever noticed this? Do you use inclusive words to make others feel safe to talk? Do you think this needs to change? Because I certainly do, ever since I started thinking about this I've tried to avoid  using these words and yet I'm still surrounded by them.

DFTBA.

*Laci Green's video on partners - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YevpsCV8GvM&feature=plcp

[Hutch Hogan]

The ICD and DSM are not wrong, but they are context specific. 

You walk into the doctor and say "I'm depressed"

The thing is that you're setting up a context where I already agreed with you. 

 is a fair synonym for simple sadness when not talking in psychiatric circles. 

If you go to a doctor's office, then you're going be speaking in a medical context.  If you tell the same doctor that you're sad, or gloomy or melancholy, you'll likely illicit a similar response where the doctor will probe more to determine if there is a medical condition that needs to be assessed. 

[CD]

I would hope so :)

[Hutch Hogan]

Glad we agree.  We've usually done a good job at seeing eye to eye throughout most of the threads I remember.  

[CD]

Seeing eye to eye is not a prerequisite for me liking you.  Knowing that you're willing to think things through and speak your mind does help though.

[Hutch Hogan]

I get what you mean, but I mean that it seems that we share a lot of similar premises, so it's nice to see that we work out compatible answers.  

But yes, it is far more important for someone to be willing to think, than to be willing to follow. 

[CD]

@Hutch

It's cool I get what you mean.