How do I stop swearing???

Question

Since I started work my language has got worse and worse and it's so bad now that quite often i don't know i'm swearing. I never use it in an aggressive way but it's creeping into my everyday conversation.

Last week i swore infront of a mate's son and he copied the word and now my mate has told me i've got to stop swearing or we can't spend as much time together as we used to.

Any hints on how to stop swearing? I'm finding it hard to break the habit!!!

It is normally anger or frustration that triggers my bad swearing, I'm ashamed to say!

Answer 1

If you don't want people to get the wrong impression of you and you are tired of swearing instead of speaking clearly, then this is a short guide on helping you to think about why you swear and how you might be able to curb the tendency.

Recognise you have a problem. Swearing is a habit. A habit is always difficult to break, so the first thing that you need to do is recognise that you have a problem with swearing. If every second word is #!% this and !^#% that, then you have a problem. If you think the only cool way to reply to a friend, parent, teacher or co-worker is an expletive, then you have a problem. If you don't know any other way than swearing, then you have a problem.
Understand why you swear. Is it because you hang around with co-workers in a job nobody much enjoys and swearing is a way of toughing it out? Is it because the cool crowd uses it as virtually the only way to speak? Is it because you are practising defiance against a parent, teacher or significant other? Is it because you are angry, sad or afraid and can't express yourself more clearly, for instance, when something goes wrong shopping, driving, playing or at work etc.?
Express yourself better. Civilised and respectful conversation is not a swearing contest. You owe it to yourself to find the vast array of other wonderful words your language provides to fill up your conversations. If you don't, you are limiting your own ability to clearly and accurately express your feelings and thoughts to other human beings and ironically, you will be less accepted and understood by those around you.
Actually want to stop swearing. This isn't trite - you really must want to stop the habit in order to challenge it. If you are half-hearted or only doing it for a lark, you won't stop. You really must want to stop. Think about all the reasons why life will be better if you do stop. That is the best way to find the motivation to want to stop. Write them down if it helps.
Break the habit. Easier said than done - this required concerted effort and constant self-feedback. First you must make a commitment with yourself to stop. Be goal-oriented and choose a period of time during which you will try not to swear. Write down the following:
Why you think you swear (e.g., the triggers, the reasons)
Why you want to stop swearing (e.g., better communication, better job prospects, better relationships with other people, brighter outlook on life etc.)
Triggers you know will set you off (e.g., anger, certain company you keep, activities, music, TV programs, supermarket queues, weather etc)
Ways you think you can either avoid or lessen these triggers (e.g., don't drive in icy weather, don't listen to music with expletives peppered through it, don't rise to bite back at your parents/spouse when they nag you, tell your friends you've had it with swearing etc).
Accept responsibility. Only you alone can stop the swearing. Be prepared for some people to feel threatened by your stand. Tell them that it is a personal decision to better yourself and that they aren't being asked to stop doing anything. Still, you're setting a good example to them in the long run and some may be so impressed they'll copy. For those who disdain you for it, consider how much you really need their friendship; friends are supposed to be supportive.
Enlist support. Ask for the help of non-swearing/infrequently swearing friends and family (including spouse). Tell them you realise you have a problem and that you need to change. Make sure you pick non-judgmental helpers though; you only want gentle reminders, not lectures or score-keeping. They may also have advice to offer on helping you to stop.
Punish yourself. Every time you swear, put money in a swear jar for charity. This is a great idea for work where swearing co-workers can all be encouraged to stop by placing money in the swear jar. But also make a pact to move on from the lapse and get better.
Reward yourself. When you go for a day, a week or similar time space, reward yourself with something - a CD, some clothing, a movie, a day free from chores.
Be determined. Swearing won't stop overnight - if it has become a habit, it is second nature for you to respond this way. Don't beat yourself up about lapses. Like dieting, you simply stop doing the bad thing and start over again from that moment. It isn't fatal and it doesn't mean you'll never stop. It just means you are easing out of the old habit slowly and you're encountering a few hitches along the way. Keep trying!

Answer 2

My boyfriend says the "f" words a lot and I DON'T like it. IF you really want to stop swearing, think of your self in church all the time. And also have your mate to call it to your attention every time you swear as well as the other people you are around, such as work. Think before you talk, but pretend that you are in church 24/7, and watch your potty mouth. Last but not least, have respect for your self!!!!

Answer 3

try this. get a jar or can of some sort and each time you swear put 50 cents in it. and at the end of the month take that money and either donate it to some kind of charity or to a homeless shelter or you could give it to a church. Of course you could start a college fund for your child(ren) if you have any or maybe for your mates child. This is also a tax write off. (charities). But you would also be helping others and in turn not using words that aren't so nice............... GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Well first off ask your friends or co-workers to help. Everytime they hear you swear put a dollar, not a quarter, not a dime or even a nickle. Put a dollar in a jar. Also do this to yourself even when you realize what you have done. Also if something is stressing you out at work try to figure out what it is and what you can do about it. Or hey try to change your swear words with something else, like well friggen, or dang-it. Thoes arn't so bad.

Answer 5

Think before you open your mouth!

Concentrate on what you're going to say ... It's not hard to stop swearing if you make the effort.

I'm trying to stop too ... my kids think because I swear they can too and it's making things a bit tense at home.

Answer 6

Put a thick elastic band around your wrist, every time you swear ping yourself, it will soon get very sore judging by what youve written, and hopefully the pain will help you to stop !!!

Answer 7

Swearing comes naturally I know. Try to replace your swear words with another like eg. S*** can be replaced with Sugar. etc..

Answer 8

swear jar £1 everytime you swear to a charity of yur choice or best of all remeber the bar of soap threat when we were kids!

Answer 9

Think of what you want say before you open your mouth. And the least of what you want say is to swear.

Answer 10

must admit i do it loads..dont realise ur sayin it sumtimes then sumtimes u kinda listen 2 urself and think there was no need 2 say that then...the only thing u can do is try think bout wot ur sayin b4 u say it,,,easier said than done i no