“IT IS WHAT IT IS.” If I hear that phrase one more time, I shall scream. Inwardly, at least.
Here’s why. I find that string of five words dismissive, uncaring and impolite. Let’s say you’re talking to someone about a difficult situation—whether personal or affecting many (like COVID)—and that individual responds with, “It is what it is.” That reply closes the door. Correction, slams the door to further conversation.
That statement, in my opinion, indicates the other person hasn’t listened to anything you’ve said, doesn’t care and/or simply accepts whatever with no concern about your thoughts or feelings. End of discussion. Alright then. Too many times I’ve felt dismissed by “It is what it is.”
How about you? Do you feel the same about that phrase?
And then there’s the word “awesome.” If I hear that word one more time, I shall scream. Inwardly, at least. It’s overused, thus meaningless. And what exactly is meant by “awesome?” Rather than use a generic word, I want to hear specifics. What makes something/someone “awesome?”
As a wordsmith, words matter to me. As someone who considers herself skilled in the arts of observing and listening, word choice resonates.
So I suppose you could simply tell me something is “awesome” and “It is what it is” as a way of explaining why something is “awesome.”
THOUGHTS, ANYONE? What words or phrases cause you to scream, inwardly, at least?
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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