If I engage in behavior that offends you with the intention to do so, it's understandable that you might react with a lack of compassion. However, the way I respond to your reaction is crucial. I have a choice to make, deciding whether I will retaliate or not. This decision is heavily influenced by whether I am actively working on myself or seeking therapy, allowing me to be accountable for my reactions.
In mature and responsible relationships, when someone's actions hurt us, we are fully responsible for how we react. It's not acceptable to use the excuse of "you did this to me, so I did that" as a justification for our behavior. Such responses are akin to how children behave when playing in a sandbox. One child throws sand at another, and the other child instinctively reacts by hitting them back with a shovel. As grown-ups, we understand that this behavior is not appropriate.
If we are not accountable for our actions when we are angry or triggered, the world would be filled with people seeking revenge, engaging in constant fights, screaming, and hollering. As responsible adults, it is essential to work on ourselves, take responsibility for our emotions, and respond to challenging situations with maturity and empathy. This way, we can foster healthier relationships and create a more harmonious world.
