Remember eight years, three months, and 14 days ago how you ended up using the wrong verb tense when speaking to your boss? Ouch, it was so embarrassing; you still get shivers from the very thought… Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Sadly, it’s the reality for some people (such as non-native speakers). Yes, it’s simple to say — it doesn’t matter; it happened so long ago, no big deal. The aforementioned boss almost certainly has forgotten the situation. Yet, these consolation words, even when coming from the mouth of a loved one, do not remove the unrest and shame. Saying that others are going through much worse situations, so a little slip of the tongue cannot possibly be a problem is a denial of another person’s feelings. It’s a form of belittling even if not intentional.