Oct 08 2009
Like, like what?
I have terrible habits. I bite my nails, tap my feet, chew on my pencil, the list goes on and on. But, there is one that bothers me more than all the rest. Its my constant reaction when put on the spot to say “like” every other word, making it difficult for both me and my “crowd” to understand what I’m saying. The harder I try to stop saying it, the more frequently I stutter and say, “like it’s like when like, you know like, um like uh like, what was I like saying again?” Its extremely embarrassing and it makes me feel stupid. As if I am one of those “dumb blonde” girls who are on some other planet all together. I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO GET OVER THIS HABIT!
Being in an honors class is difficult enough with the work and the constant critical thinking. To me its important to feel as though you belong in that class once your in there. Because of my habit, Ive learned to put my thoughts and feeling on paper, and if necessary, know what I was going to say before hand. But one particular day (it was bound to happen sometime) I was put on the spot and asked to explain my views on a question. Lets just say it was a total disaster. By the end of my confusing rant, the look of my fellow classmates suggested I was from another planet. Great. With my second thoughts on if I should stay in the same class, let alone the same school, I needed to learn how to stop my horrible habit. Also, I need to learn how to redeem myself. It got me thinking on why I say like so frequently. That is how I found one answer.
This answer tells me that all hope is lost because I am addicted to saying like. Double great.
This blog may seem comical but it is both a cry for help and an assignment. I need help and if anybody could tell me a past habit and their method for breaking it I could really use some ideas. I need to learn to get over this and stop “like” from ruining my talking abilities.

Kelly, this is a fantastic post with a genuine question that will, I hope, generate some thoughtful responses from your classmates. Do you feel like you ever rationalize your habit? I will admit that I have the same problem, especially when I’m nervous. I noticed that I use “like” a lot when I’m talking with my supervisor and other administration, and it makes me feel like a moron. I’m glad that you feel comfortable enough to write about this, though! Maybe the class can be sort of like your support group! We can help you work through kicking the bad habit!
I just did a little research and found this link you might want to check out: http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/features/25498/no-saying-like.
Does anyone else have a similar issue? Kelly and I CAN’T be the only ones!