J = just

There is more than one way to say the word Just.  We hear a lot of people use the word to say that we need to be just in our actions towards others, toward moral issues, all sorts of current events.  But the one use of the word that always tends to amuse me is when people use it as an explanation or excuse.  Kids seem to be able to use it quite adeptly from a very young age.  Example—

Adult to child:  “Why did you smear mud all over your baby sister?”

Child: “ I just wanted to wipe my hands off and there she was.”

Adult to child:  “Why did you put my hair dryer in the toilet along with all the brushes and combs?”

Child:  “Because if kids in China are hungry, I just figured they needed a hair dryer and brushes and combs, too, and I’m not supposed to dig holes in the back yard to get it to them.”

Adult to child:  “Why did you hit your brother in the nose?”

Child:  “I didn’t.  I just put my fist out and he ran into it.”

I know you have numerous other examples you could offer from experience — both yours or others.  They “just” crop up like little weeds in your otherwise ideal life, right?  And we laugh, trying not to laugh in front of the young offender, and then try to undo the faulty logic.  Then we turn right around and do it ourselves on an “adult” level.

Boss to employee:  “Why did you write a 30 page proposal when a one page synopsis would have sufficed?”

Employee: “I just wanted you to be aware of every detail…”

One spouse to another: “Why did you buy such an expensive gift when you know we don’t have the money to?”

Other spouse: “I just wanted us to make a real impression, ya know?”

Adult to adult: “Why, WHY did you tell that dumb, stupid joke to___?”

Adult in response: “I just  thought it was funny at the time?”

     “AAAARGH!”

We’ve all been there, all done it, and if you haven't yet, you will.  “Just.”    “I just thought…”    “I just meant…”    “I just tried…”     But the real, honest truth killer?  “I JUST ASSUMED…”   UH-OH!  DOUBLE WHAMMY!

Yep, we are born with the ability to use “just” to cover, hide, excuse, and try to get us out of tight situations.  I find it hilarious.  Having raised kids, I really thought I had a great list of “justs.”  But I realized there are an infinite number of justs when I taught students that weren’t happy with their grades, homework load, etc.  That’s a whole ‘nother blog!  (chuckle chuckle)  

The reason for writing this one, now?  I just thought it might amuse you.  Besides, I have to admit—I just did it for fun!