The Last Word

Some people are obsessed with getting the last word in a discussion, break-up, or argument of some kind. For some reason, it makes them feel like they won this argument because of this last word phenomenon. I'm sorry, but this last word phenomenon doesn't prove the one finished stronger than the other.

If I get into a debate with someone regarding capital punishment and I relay a 5-10 speech, with numbers and sources to back up my position and they finish with, "I say, just fry them! Fry them all!" and then she hangs up, does that prove she got the best of me in that debate? No, absolutely not!

It doesn't matter who has the first word or the last word. What matters is who has the stronger points throughout the discussion or argument. It's the same way in sports. It doesn't matter if the Chicago Bears score on their last possession of the game, if Green Bay scored the first 21 points of the game and dominated throughout. Just because the Bears had the last score doesn't take away from the fact that the Packers dominated and came away with the W.

In fact, those that insist on having the last word are usually on the short end of the duel. Just like in the football example above, if Chicago is burning timeouts, getting out of bounds, and doing all they can to get in the end zone, so they can have something to feel good about going into the following week's game, that's a direct indicator that they're on the losing end. If someone can shrug their shoulders and smile when the other has the last word, that's usually a good indicator that they came out on top. When the Packers allowed that final touchdown, sure, they might be a tad disappointed that they didn't shut the Bears out, but that pain will only be minor and temporary once they look on the scoreboard and see that they will come out victorious.

So, for those out there who are obsessed with having the last word, watch yourself, because that doesn't necessarily mean that your point was stronger than the other's. If what you say is honest, potent, and meaningful, then that'll stand up regardless of who has the last word.