There is one word in the English language that is more powerful than any other that I can think of. This word can immediately reduce a person's efforts to the point that they seem inconsequential. The word is used to infer that the process of doing what is asked is simple and requires no particular skill or effort. The word is "just".
Remember Nancy Reagan's anti-drug slogan, "Just say no"? Does anyone want to take a guess why the word "just" is a part of that phrase? What if the phrase was instead, "Say no"? The efforts of a herione addict to avoid feeding their addiction are not lessened by the use of the word "just", but it does sound easier doesn't it?
Years ago, a co-worker of mine used this word with me to request a monumental task. We both laugh about that day when we talk now, but at the time I couldn't believe she could be so flip as to use that word. I thought I would come completely unglued.
It came up again the other day when I pointed out to the author of a functional requirements document, that she had neglected to account for a particular scenario that I had encountered when building piece of software to her exact specifications. The additional time needed to develop the solution was to say the least, significant. I couldn't see her as we were speaking on the phone, but I swear she must have shrugged her shoulders as she said, "Why can't you just plug that in?"
Using the word "just" does not make something simple, nor does it dimish the efforts required to accomplish a task. And when you are the one asking for something, it does not make your request any less inconvenient. So, why don't you just bite me?
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