Me, Myself, and I

(First published via e-mail on January 10, 2006)

I hope you had a wonderful holiday and some time off to rest and reflect--and to improve your grammar skills! No? Oh, well, let me help you with that.

This month, I am talking about "myself." I mean, the word, not actually myself. This is one of my pet peeves: using "myself" as a subject. Let me give you an example:

"My husband and myself are planning a weekend at the coast."

Would you say, "Myself is planning a weekend...."? Of course not! Then, why, oh, why would anyone say, "My husband and myself are...."? It just drives me batty!

Please help me spread the word to all the good people of the English-speaking world and beyond. "Myself" is an object! Here are two examples of correct usage:

"Please allow me to introduce myself." --Mick Jagger, "Sympathy for the Devil"

"For Christmas, I gave myself a beautiful purse." --Susan K. Morrow, Purse Recipient

I know you share my distress and will help me educate everyone else. Whew! I feel much better!

Have a great January and a fantastic year! --Susan K.

(c) 2008, Susan K. Morrow