Buddha Quote and deep thoughts

"Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill."

I saw this quote and it really got me thinking.

Sometime we don't realize that what we say and what we put out there in the world will have an effect on someone. I think I offended a friend with my post on Monday about porn in Utah in stating my opinion at the end. I apologize if it did offend her. I also realize that even little things might be offensive to someone; like some person might read my "pet-peeve" from my A-Z post and be really offended because they see no harm at all in standing on an escalator! (It should escalate you to the next floor, make a few less steps when climbing the stairs! It's not called a lazy people mover!) lol

So, what got me thinking is this; how do we be mindful of all we say and yet still be entitled to our opinions? I know the saying; "opinions are like assholes; everyone has one, and they all stink!"

I guess I will rely on what I learned in another book, 'The Four Agreements' by Miguel Ruiz. He talks about the importance of being impeccable with your word: "Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love."

I would like to think that this quote from the Dalai Lama would apply here:
"Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship."