Change & Phrases I am sick of...

...if you will
....moving forward
...I am the kind of person
...quite frankly
...very moral
...change

These phrases are used by all kinds of people in my life, and mostly the phrases just irritate me.  As I look over the list, it does seem as if they have a patronizing sheen to them.  When a financial advisor keeps saying to me and Jay, "Consider this scenario, if you will." Or when politicians repeatedly state, "We are moving forward," I translate that to mean "We are now doing what I want to do -- and of course it's right, and I am leaving you in the dust of your incorrect thoughts and philosophies."

Sometimes I hear people say, "I am the kind of person who likes to be open and honest." I really don't believe that but that's another posting.  Don't tell me the kind of person you are -- let me figure that out.  I can think.  I can get to know you, and I can decide for myself what kind of person you are.  If I want to know, I'll ask. [BTW - chances are I'll like you.]

Quite frankly is, quite frankly, annoying.  Makes me think of MASH and Frank Burns.

Very moral is like being very pregnant.  Either you are moral/pregnant or you are not.  I am not sure you can ride the line on either issue.

The word 'change' upsets me also.  Obama ran on a platform of Change.  There are groups out there -  Chance to Change. We sing Christian worship songs, "Change my heart, oh God." In my understanding of the word 'change' - it can be positive or negative.  Good or bad.  Every time I hear the word change used, I bristle and think that the word 'change' isn't not specific enough.  I want a word for change that connotes 'change for the better' and another word for 'change' that connotes 'change for the worse.' What if my heart is just fine the way it is?

Of course, what I am realizing is that I need to accept the fact that in American English, 'change' has evolved into a word that indicates a maneuver for good.  When all these folks say change, think change, and sing change, they really do mean to move forward to a better way.  I need to lighten up and accept this change about change. ;-)