as Darren McGavin in A Christmas Story when it comes to cussing:
"He worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay."
.. I really don't know why, but cussing has been a huge part of my vocabulary and personality my whole life.. I was the back sheep, for sure - straight A student, a geek by all accounts in grade school.. but, I cussed like a seasoned sailor even in second grade.. Although, like you, I don't cuss much in front of women, unless I have a good zinger I gotta get out..
But, and I know I've mentioned sit on this board before, I NEVER have understood what the big deal is with cussing.. I say this ALL the time: who decided that any particular group of vowels and consonants is vulgar? For every "cuss" word, deemed completely inappropriate in public (and private for the most part) there are 4-5 words that mean the same exact thing that are acceptable in public.. The F word - immediately everyone knows what you mean, but its acceptable to say "the F word" or "friggen" or "fargin" or whatever.. I mean, what's the difference in saying "oh crap!" and "oh S word!".. absolutely none, except somebody decided the S word was vulgar... I don't get it - never have..
..and, just for the record, the S word is absolutely my favorite of the words deemed inappropriate by - well, whoever....
Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..