"It was the least I could do"

Part of living an examined life is paying attention to the words we say.

One popular phrase is normally heard when one person is hurting or in need, and other does something kind for them. The benevolent friend then comments "It's the least I could do," as if that's supposed to make the person feel better. Perhaps it's meant to convey that they deserve more, but instead it conveys the friend's own laziness. It would be better to say, "I know you deserve/ need much more than this, but this is all I can do for now. I plan to help more as soon as I'm able."

As you go throughout the day, ask yourself whether you're really meaning the words that you say. Notice also how carefully people listen to each other's words. Communication is a two part process: sending information and receiving information. If either part is flawed, the process will be interrupted. However, if each person does their part of the communication process well, the message has the best chance of success.