You Did Not Make A Mistake

The word “mistake” is overused and misapplied. How about we try to be more accurate in describing our actions so that we’re actually taking responsibility for ourselves.

If you didn't go to college and are stuck in a minimum-wage job you hate, you did not make a mistake.
If you cheated on your spouse or partner, you did not make a mistake.
If you committed a crime, you did not make a mistake.
If you fucked up your life with drugs and alcohol, you did not make a mistake.
If you molested children, you did not make a mistake.
If you stole from someone, you did not make a mistake.
If you told a malicious lie about someone, you did not make a mistake.
If you assaulted or abused someone, you did not make a mistake.

The list, of course, goes on and on.

None of the above mentioned things fall under the category of mistake or accident, yet I hear people on TV try to verbally escape culpability for their actions all the time using the words "mistake" and "accident." (My other favorite excuse for doing something stupid: "I just wasn't thinking." Uh, yeah, sure, okay. ::eye roll::)

Let’s just cut the bull and say:
“I made a choice to ...”
“I decided to...”
“I wanted to...”
“I stole...”
“I molested...”
“I cheated...”

Etc., etc.