Whenever I’m out and encounter a rude person or someone who is mean, I’m never mean back to them. I always display kindness and acceptance to my greatest ability. That is because I understand that the encounters I have with people on the outside are very short and limited. That encounter may be the only one I ever have with them my whole entire life. And it is my one and only chance to show kindness to them, before they are off again, never to be seen. I also keep in mind that they may be having a terrible day, maybe even the worst day of their life. We never know what others are going through at any given moment. Life is so unpredictable and often hurl difficulties our way. So I try to keep that in mind while interacting with these grumpy and unpleasant passersby on the outside.

However, when the people who are close to me, like my family or relatives, are mean to me and consistently trespass their boundaries, I am quick to stand up for myself and put them back in their place. Their oppressiveness and controllingness have no room in my life. These relationships are long term and can impact me directly in a very deep and profound way. That is why I watch their actions like a hawk. If they are bound to injure or hurt me, then I need to protect my spirit like a dear mother protects her child. No one, in long lasting relationships, should ever be abused, trampled on or mistreated. No one should ever act as a doormat to another. There is never an excuse for that. Those who are guilty of performing such atrocious acts should be given consequences and shown that that is absolutely not allowed or tolerated. And it is up to deliver that message.