What language is appropriate for this situation?

While talking to my husband one morning, we began to disagree over which word made more sense to use in a particular sentence—silly as it may be! It actually turned into a heated argument, which resulted in my storming into my office building as he sped away in our car.

So over the course of the morning, I really evaluated the situation – what in the world was the argument really about? Why was this word so important and why did it carry so much weight? In fact, why does any word carry weight at all? 

And thus began my random thought process.... which always leads back to my passion in life- Christ. What words carry more weight for Christians than other peoples? What words carry more weight within the Christian realm? What is implied in a word to make it so heavy? Or just the opposite, what implications are missing within words to make them indifferent or ineffective in a situation?
I don't know the answer to any of these!! Butt my mind just works this way... 

For example:  People often ask "Are you religious?" Some time ago, I would have probably responded: "Yes, Christian" but now that I've grown in my faith, I would most definitely answer "No", since in fact, I don't consider myself religious at all.The term "Religious" has a different connotation to me now- because I've grown and now it has a weight to it. I believe that the weight of the term "Religious" would push me into a box bound by rules, traditions, and opinions. I don't live my life in that box. I live my life in a world where Relationships are key-- Relationships with and through Christ. Oh man! This is turning into a whole other post (more to come on that later!!).


Back to the general appropriateness of language.... 

To most of the people I know, if someone is from Puerto Rico, then he is Spanish or if he is from Mexico, he is also Spanish or Guatemala, he is also Spanish. But to that person, he is not Spanish, he is Latino, or he is Chicano or he is Central American & indeed, Spanish is the native language BUT it is not his ethnic background. So calling him "Spanish" is an inappropriate use of the term. 


Also for most people that I know, when speaking about children (I work in the non-profit realm so this happens often), if the child has a single parent at home, it is looked at as a disadvantage for both the child and the mother. As if being a "Single Mom" is something that is pitied or frowned upon, but, on the contrary, to most of the "Single Moms" that I know, it has been their choice to be single despite motherhood. So is it really something to be pitied or looked down upon? What kind of weight does the term "Single Mother" carry? And why is that?


I want to know from you guys out there, because my mind can't seem to grasp all of it. 

Some other topics of interest: 
What words mean more to you than anything in the world? 
What words are forbidden in your family or household? 
What words are offensive in your culture or group of friends?
Why are some females comfortable being called a "B*%&#"? And others aren't?
Why is it better to be a "Thug" than  "Snitch"?  
Is there a difference between being "dumb" and being an "idiot" ?