Jennifer Horgan: Having a ‘bad word’ is sometimes key to saving a much-loved friend

A scene from the Gavin and Stacey finale. The writers of the show are reminding us of the power of friendship in the fight against abuse.
“She never had a bad word to say about anyone.” It’s a phrase we often hear about people — particularly when they’ve died. When I was younger, I aspired to be that person — uniformly liked and admired — as meek as a mouse.
Now, I feel very differently. There are people for whom we should have a ‘bad word’ to say, especially when protecting a friend. We should have a bad word, and we should have the guts and strength to share it.