How do I break my habit of misusing the word "like?"?

Question

If you've ever been to a mall and overheard teenagers saying something similar to "I'm like, all, like, like that and like, stuff" before, then you know irritating it is.

I find it irritating too but I also find myself misusing the word "like" as well sometimes. How do I break the habit?

Answer 1

I agree that it can very annoying to listen to someone who mis-uses the word "like". If I have to listen to someone doing that for very long the word "like" is all I can hear of what they are saying. It won't be easy but you will need to slow down and start thinking about every thing you say before you say it. Make a conscious effort to eliminate the word like from your vocabulary. You will only need to do it for a week to 10 days and the "habit" should be broken. Good luck.

Answer 2

You make some very good points. I for one did know the meaning of the word "mark" and what was meant by putting some one over. I have been a wrestling fan for over 50 years. and I really hate it when people ridicule some wrestlers. They are doing the job they love, trying to entertain people who in reality don't give a darn about them. This war thing is dumb, it is not a war it is just business. As for your Morrison v Christian question. Both of them are very fast, agile and innovative. I think I would have to give the win to Christian just on the experience factor.

Answer 3

I sometimes use "like" a lot in conversation, too. I think people use it as a kind of transition in speech. People use it when they are describing something. Maybe try not to say the word and let a natural pause occur between your sentences.

Answer 4

My son would say "'Ya know what I'm sayin'?" and every time he would say it...even in a room full of friends, I would raise my hand. After about two days of this it was so distracting to him he made a conscious effort to NOT say that...and it worked!! Have a friend or family member do something distracting every time you say it...maybe that would work for you, too?

Answer 5

You would have to work on it a bit...catch yourself everytime you say 'like'...once you get aware of it...start dropping the 'like'....it would need being alert and concious of your words and yes some patience.

All the best.

Answer 6

Ask the listener to give you a good slap every time you say it and that should do it .(after all, don't you feel like slapping the person who says it all the time yourself )?

Answer 7

Think be for you speak, very hard to maintain. It is easy once you take the initiative!

Answer 8

Tell your friends to slap you every time you say it, you will stop.

Answer 9

ugh thats a hard one I do that sometimes as well and still do it

Answer 10

maybe like....don't say it