Whatever.......................

I have often been told that I am a "person of words". By this I mean that words are very important. Getting your point across properly depends on the words you use. That is why politicians have speech writers. If they had to wing it on their own they would be putting their feet into their mouths constantly. Even with their writers, the media will pick apart everything that is said and try to use it to their own advantage. I manage an office and have learned key phrases to say things nicely in order to pacify an irate customer. My favorite line is" I would love to, but my hands are tied". My next favorite is "more likely than not", which really means the outcome will be to my advantage not yours. In early April, I use the old "the accountant needs to settle the books for taxes" to collect old debts. Hey, don't be mad at me....it's my accountant! Now I will come to the word I dislike most in the English Language. That word is "Whatever". I hate this word. It is a dismissive word that is really saying " I don't want to listen to you anymore so I am cutting you off". There is no good comeback for the word "whatever" because it kind of ends the conversation abruptly. Any comment after that will surely lead to an argument. I would prefer it if the word OK" could replace the irritating "whatever". So, the next time we speak, please don't end the conversation with "whatever". OK?