oh shit!

Dear Amanda: My mom is very strict about the use of obscenities, so I don't use them at home. However, I have become close friends with ‘Stacy’ and curse words are part of her standard vocabulary. I have been to Stacy’s house where swear words are normal among her parents and siblings. I know it's not right, but it's the way she has been brought up.

Recently, Stacy spent the night here, and my mother heard her swear. My younger sister was in the room. After Stacy left, my mother said she will not tolerate such "filth" and said Stacy is no longer welcome here, especially because she said this in front of my little sister.
Stacy is a loyal, caring friend. Her behavior is the result of her upbringing and I don't think it's fair to ban her from our house. I would ask her not to talk this way in our home, but I think she might slip up and sometimes forget. what can I do? –Zipped Lips in Greely

Dear Zipped: Well, as an avid swearer myself I don’t think ‘It’s not right’ to swear. It’s my damn right as a person over 18 to say whatever the hell I want. Frankly it’s yours too. Shit. Hell. Piss. However, when I’m in someone else’s home (my boyfriend’s folks, my mothers) you better believe I put a lid on the potty mouth. Damn. Fuck. And it’s a fucking struggle every time but it has to be done because it makes these people I spend time with offended and uncomfortable. Your mom has every right to say she’s not welcome but I do believe she’s being a bit of a bitch. Explain to your mother how it is in Stacy’s house and then tell Stacy to shut the hell up with the swearing when she’s in your home. I’m sure she’ll be a little embarrassed for offending your mom and work hard to speak more politely at your house. I then suggest you go to Stacy’s for a while and spend some time swearing. It’s fun. Give it a go.