Not having to deal with it..

What I'm slowly realizing..

I don't have to put up with rudeness...
For YEARS, I've just dealt with it.. I grew up around some MEAN people... I married one the first go 'round.. I watched adults throwing tantrums in public, and just tolerated all of the disgusting behavior.
I thought it was just something you had to put up with.. That everybody had to just suck it up and deal with their designated jerks.
No..

I have a mean side too. I CHOOSE to be nice to people.. I CHOOSE to not hurt feelings.. I CHOOSE to say kind things when I can.. I CHOOSE to overlook certain things, because I know saying something would just do more harm than good.. I know when to control my mean side.. It's sad that so many people don't get that..  Some people think I'm dumb because I don't argue..
Some people think I'm weak because I don't immediately jump all over others.
That I'm too "easy" because I try to listen to both sides..
That I "like being hurt" because I give the person who hurt me, a chance to explain and redeem themselves.
Some don't like me.. but I would hate to be any other way..