“Should”

There is one word that beats me down on a regular basis.  It’s not a noun or a verb.  I don’t really know what the heck it is (I’m sure there is an English major out there who will tell me).  The word is “SHOULD”. 

“SHOULD” connotes entitlement:  “I SHOULD be able to enjoy my day off and be left alone.”
“SHOULD” connotes some promise that was never made:  “I SHOULD retire comfortably and healthy.”

Worst of all, “SHOULD” summonses that vile, ugly monster named “Comparison”: 
“My son SHOULD be reading at a 6th grade level by now.”
“My kid SHOULD be going to his first school dance soon.”
“My child SHOULD be speaking in full sentences and expressing abstract concepts.”

“SHOULD” is a terrible word.  I SHOULD know better than to give it the power it has over my thoughts and emotions.