A sickening feeling came over me.
I had used the expression "Irish twins" when talking about my husband and his sister, and my co-worker looked at me quizzically. I went on to explain that it meant they were less than a year apart. And all of a sudden, it dawned on me that the expression was probably a derogatory one. How this had not occurred to me in the 17 years since I met my husband is beyond me. I had just always used the expression. A quick Google search confirmed my fear. I felt terrible.
I am a person who really goes out of my way not to traffic in stereotypes. I could spend a lot of time beating myself up for this one. Or I could channel Oprah, who famously, repeatedly, said, "When you know better, you do better."
Now I know better. I've recognized an error and I won't make it again.
Chances are, there's something you're doing that you're not proud of either.
Do better.
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