I try not to cuss. I have cussed extensively and casually at various points in my life (it was bad before I went in the Navy, but after that, I became a “fine and fancy cusser”.
For about the last 30 years, I have been fighting it. I view it as a crutch, but still do it, but have improved. Now, only use it sparsely in conversations with friends, never in a professional setting, and only with heat when I am alone with nobody around (hitting my finger with a hammer, etc)
It was both funny and embarrassing to hear from my adult nephew that he learned all he needed to know about cussing from watching me work on cars as a young person.
One area I definitely avoid it is in a heated or emotional situation with another person. It doesn’t help at all.
I appreciate your effort to avoid profanity.
I’ve heard my dad swear once - oddly enough, when he hit HIS thumb with a hammer. He said “Damnation.” I just didn’t grow up hearing it AT ALL - didn’t even know what those words meant until high school. Yes, I was sheltered - I admit it.
Someone here years ago posted a lengthy piece on how to let someone have it without cussing - it was brilliant. :-)
Combine this with my size and look and I really dont want to scare people. I do feel it is a weakness, but used sparingly, it can be effective.