What is to be said for saying it!

Over a lifetime we make many comments and use words daily, which become so part of our everyday life, using them with family, friends and colleagues.  But how much of what we say, is habitual and said as part of daily communication and how much is truly of value and how do we distinguish between opinions expressed and words of true impact.  Even some of the most intimate things that we say to each other on a daily basis, are mere statements and circumstances and views and even current affairs, may have an impact on what we say and how we construct our opinions.  It worries me that we have the ability, at times to say things to others, that impact their lives, their views and even their futures and yet, who are we to make such comments, which end up changing peoples lives.  How cautious do we need to be when saying things because, those very words may become a habit and the more we say them and the more people hear them, the more value they tend to attach to them.  This is why there are many shattered lives and unfulfilled people because they have heard and listened to statements and comments and taken them to heart and they end up going down a path which is not where they could, or perhaps even should end up.  Certain questions that are asked are probably best left alone, and some things should rather not be said in the first place because once they are out it is not easy to retrieve them, but it is difficult when you are asked an opinion and you give it only to have something influence your own thinking and you want to 'back track' on the comment but cannot do so because you have offered the view and the person has already accepted it.  In my industry we are asked to give advice and we quickly learn that we need to qualify what we say, so that it can be justified, or stand up in a court situation.  In life though we are not always so guarded and we speak from the heart and in emotional talk and this can cause more confusion and uncertainty than when we stick to facts.  Boring as it may be, less is probably more when it comes to expressing opinions. Whether it is saying sorry or expressing affection, or making a call to do something or not, all these notions are best left for consideration rather than speedy reply.  "Mean what you say and say what you mean, but only say it if you really need to"? Let us see what is made of these words!