Q: My wife gets after me because of my bad language, and I admit I probably swear more than I should, but what difference does it make? No one thinks much about it anymore, as far as I can tell.

A: Sadly our society has changed in the last 50 years or so; it seems like it’s almost impossible to read a popular book or watch a program on television today without encountering vulgar or profane language.

What difference does your speech make as far as you and your wife are concerned? First, it obviously makes a difference to your wife, and if for no other reason, you should honor her concern...