Often in life, we have to face personal challenges with the people we love. We come across experiences that change us, change our perception over others and change the way we feel about our relationships. There is a battle between what we feel and what we know and our confusion comes out in the way we interact with those who we previously loved and cared for.

It is sometimes hard to look past what was said, what was done or what was felt. We can never force our hearts to feel a certain way or force our minds to forget what has occurred. However, if we continue to dwell on the toxic moments rather than the positive and happy memories, soon enough, we will lose something that was once so great.

We all get into quarrels with our friends, our parents, our siblings and the rest of the people that we love. Sometimes those arguments are short and stupid, but some really hit home and affect how you feel. However, if we continue to hold grudges on those moments, we will eventually truly hurt a relationship that once had meant a lot to us.

I have to admit, giving in is not fair. Why should you be the one to be nice? Why should you have to be the one to see the light in a moment of darkness? Why should you be the one to have to be the bigger person? It is irritating and unfair to constantly be the person to look forward and accept the past, but what I have recently learned is that if no one steps up, we will all lose. In the end, your life will become easier and less tiresome if you accept what has occurred and move forward.

As hard as it may be, try not to get mad. Try not to get even. Instead, rise above what has happened and do better. Take the high road and be the bigger person because the way people treat you is their own karma yet how you react is yours. So, if you dwell on something that’s happened and let your anger come out, you will be sacrificing who you are and your own future.

When you truly love someone, you will look past their flaws and their mistakes and instead you will help them overcome those flaws. We all face our own personal battles so as hard as it may be, treat everyone around you with politeness and kindness, not for the sake of them but for the sake of you. In the end, it is you who is being nice and being the better person, and that should be a reward in itself.

Don’t ever lose yourself due to the hatred or torment of others. Be you. Be the best you, and be the bigger person.