So I’m talking with a friend, and she up and says it. The phrase that drives me crazy.
“I mean, if (he/she/they/it) is (fill in the blank), it’s none of my business…”
Can I go on record as saying that the phrase “It’s none of my business” drives me crazy?
Now, some things really “aren’t my business”. But when our little fill in the blank up there is something harmful or destructive, and the person talking is using “it’s none of my business” as a gossip cover, that ticks me off.
But what’s even worse is when it’s a cover for inaction.
It feels like a holdover from Cain: “Wasn’t my day to watch him, God, not real sure where Abel went, after all, it’s none of my business!”
It feels like a form of irresponsibility to overuse that phrase. Maybe we could make a better world if a few more things were our business.
Like the lady with unexplained bruises. Or the girl crying off in a corner. Or the boy with a perpetual scowl and clenched fists. Or that person with a perpetual look of fear who jumps evey time someone comes into the room. Or the one who can’t look you in the eyes. Or the one who has the “flu” all the time, who’s depressed and a loner.
Maybe they are our “business”. This careless attitude we have may only perpetuate pain for these people.
Maybe we should all start looking out for each other. Is it my “business” to say so?
