Have you ever wondered why words have the power to wound so deeply? I’m still searching for a better answer. We’ve all heard Rihanna singing, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” But let’s be real—that’s far from the truth. In fact, words often hurt more and last longer. A bruise may fade after a few days, but the sting of a hurtful comment can linger in your mind, popping up again and again, long after the words were spoken. The impact can feel as fresh as the first time you heard them.

I still remember the sting of a comment made by a classmate when I was in elementary school—”Your legs are ugly.” I don’t have gazelle legs, sure, but that comment cut deeper than any physical injury ever could. And it stuck. Read more