Think of the outcome you want from the conversation when you interact with other people. Why are you speaking with this person? Is it because you’re fed up with life and you want to unleash all the negative emotions and energy pent up or bottled up for so long? Or are you really interested in making the individual on the other side better, happier, and more whole? What’s the purpose of this conversation? Do you think you own the people you’re talking to, or do you really believe that they’re full human beings that do not exist for the sole purpose of making you feel good? I know that this isn’t one of those times where I tell you don’t let other people’s judgment or opinions control or run your life. That is of course something I totally encourage all day long. But are you letting such rules work both ways? Or are these rules only convenient when it is used to defend you against others making you feel bad all day long, but are a terrible idea when it comes to not infringing upon other people’s rights to the same freedoms you value and cherish?

People are not disposable things that you use and discard at your own convenience just to keep feeling good. And just because they are not you, doesn’t mean it’s okay. Doesn’t mean it’s not a big deal.