Photo by mdanys

Do you ever have a moment when you say to yourself, "Did s/he really just say/write that?"  Well I found myself having that moment a few days ago.  I decided not to blog about it immediately, fearful of what I might have permanently put out in the blogosphere.

Am I too sensitive?  Am I too quick to bite my tongue?  Why are people so damn rude?  These are all questions that I asked myself after the encounter and continue to ask myself.

Respect.  I am firm believer that not everyone is meant to be friends and we will not all hold hands and sing Kumbaya with one another.  But there is the idea of mutual respect in the absence of "like".  As I get older and interact with different personalities, belief systems, cultures, values etc., I have really learned the meaning of "you don't have to like me, but you have to respect me."

Will I make someone respect me?  No. As I have gotten older and more mature, I have learned that my actions speak louder than my words.  I carry try myself a certain way and treat others how I would want to be treated; granted I am not perfect, but I am trying to be better every day.  What I won't do is make someone like me or respect me.  Gone are the days of trying to fit in.  What I will do is distance myself from these toxic people and keep it moving.  There are many people I respect on different levels, for different reasons, but I don't like them... and that's okay.

So back to my moment of "almost losing it".  In such a high stress environment, it is very easy to get caught up and stay/do things that are out of character.  I have truly learned to take the high road and let it go.  But in letting it go, I don't forget.