Well, well, well, if it isn’t one of the oldest sayings in the book: “Treat others as you want to be treated.” We’ve all heard it before, and most of us have probably even said it a few times. But what happens when someone doesn’t follow this rule? What happens when someone treats you poorly or unfairly? Do you stoop to their level and treat them the same way they treat you? Absolutely not. If you ever get a chance to treat them as they treat you, I hope you walk away and do better.
Walking away from a negative situation takes a certain amount of strength and self-respect. It’s easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and lash out at someone who’s treating you poorly, but that’s rarely the right move. By choosing to walk away, you’re taking the high road and refusing to engage in their toxic behavior. You’re also showing them that their behavior is not acceptable and that you won’t stand for it.
But it’s not enough to just walk away. If you want to truly do better, you need to take the opportunity to learn and grow from the experience. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this situation?” Maybe you need to work on setting boundaries or improving your communication skills. Maybe you need to learn how to stand up for yourself in a more constructive way. By taking the time to reflect and learn, you’ll be better equipped to handle similar situations in the future.
Of course, it’s not always easy to do better. Sometimes it’s easier to lash out or seek revenge. But here’s the thing: treating someone poorly because they treated you poorly only perpetuates the cycle of negativity. It doesn’t solve anything. It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound. It may provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t address the root of the problem.
So, what’s the solution? How can you do better? It starts with empathy. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and understand where they’re coming from. Maybe they’re dealing with their own issues and their behavior has nothing to do with you. Maybe they’re just having a bad day. By practicing empathy, you’re able to diffuse the situation and respond in a more constructive way.
In the end, if you ever get a chance to treat someone poorly because they treated you poorly, don’t. Walk away and do better. Show them that their behavior is not acceptable and that you won’t stoop to their level. Learn from the experience and grow as a person. Practice empathy and choose kindness over retaliation. In the words of Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
