From a young age we were told sometimes to suck it up and be the bigger person. Told that if we just turn the other cheek we won’t be giving the perpetrator satisfaction. But what about standing up for yourself? Everyone’s feelings are just as valid as others and sometimes being the bigger person isn’t worth it.

There is always people we go to school with, work with or see on another daily basis who makes us want to rip our hair out. Most people bite their tongue or walk away, which is the better thing to do. But there’s a time when some people don’t know when to stop going and cross a line on multiple occasions.

Normally, I would agree with being the bigger person as that’s what I always try to do. However, after so many instances I’m wondering why I do this. Why should I have to put my feelings and opinions on the backburner? Why are their feelings more important than mine? Why do they get to go on treating people horribly without anyone ever saying anything? I am very open with how I feel and it’s easy to notice if I’m angry or irritated or sad but most of the time I’ll keep silent to appease the other person and not have any unnecessary drama.

Most of the time people would tell me how being the bigger person would make me feel better and most of the time it didn’t. As we get closer to being adults it’s so pivotal to learn how to communicate and problem solve with others. However, there are some people who haven’t learned this lesson and continue as if the world revolves around them. It doesn’t and it’s great if that’s what makes them happy, but it’s not okay to tear anyone else down and that’s where the line between letting it go or saying something comes into play.

I’m not saying that if someone crosses you or makes a comment to start yelling at them or lash out in some other way. In times like those it is good to just walk away from the petty argument because in the end there’s no point. But when it’s something important to you or to someone else it’s okay to say something. Sometimes you need to be that person, maybe the smaller person, if that means not letting people get the better of you or treating you like you aren’t anything.

Sincerely,

Sydney