"If you insult me, I’ll insult you back without holding back" is a phrase that startled the author upon hearing it. The speaker was a well-dressed, attractive young woman, seemingly successful, chatting with friends in a convenience store. This kind of statement resembles lines from a soap opera, where the heroine often speaks in such a manner.

This phrase reflects the attitude of people today who refuse to back down from those who harm or oppress them easily. There must be a reaction to feel a sense of revenge, and this attitude has become widely accepted, making those who do not retaliate appear submissive.

But is this really a good approach? With such a strong retaliatory attitude, we now see violence becoming commonplace. Videos of assaults circulate on social media, and people engage in heated exchanges, creating drama over trivial matters.

Some record videos insulting others on Facebook and elevate themselves to the status of influencers. They position themselves as media figures, hosting shows on social media, using phrases like "I heard that..." or sharing unverified news with intense flair, gaining support from those who enjoy the spectacle.

In truth, the author understands this is a societal change, but still questions whether we want to live like this, amidst the intensity of emotions. When you think of retaliating in every situation, it may provide momentary satisfaction, but ultimately, we cannot overcome evil with evil. The intensity of emotions leaves scars on everyone involved. What benefit does that bring?

Some readers may disagree and think, "Why should we be submissive? We shouldn’t have to accept it!" The answer is that you don’t have to be submissive or accept it. Every situation has multiple solutions; it depends on which path you choose. The easiest path often involves clashing emotions, which is what we see today.

However, if we exercise patience and explain with reason, and if the other party does not understand, we can use representatives or wait for the right moment to address the issue legally. This is often a choice many do not consider because they believe it won’t work, even though they have never truly tried it.

Many might say the author can write this because they have never encountered unpleasant people. I can assure you, as someone over 40, that I have met many unpleasant individuals, and often, I have been one of them. I have gone through periods where I felt the need to retaliate against everyone who took advantage of or harmed me.

But ultimately, beyond the fleeting satisfaction, I created a demon within myself—a demon that feeds on intense emotions. This demon grew until one day I realized I needed to eliminate it because the remnants of the intense emotions it left behind were piles of ego, nearly overwhelming me.

At this point, we must ask ourselves: Do we want to live amidst an ocean of emotions, filled with turbulent waves created by the demons each of us has made? Or do we have the courage to reflect on ourselves and gradually stop feeding the emotions that nourish the demons within us?

To let it slowly die away from our hearts, so we can exist in a society that doesn’t rely on intensity but uses reason and logic in our conversations. Such a society is possible; it’s not just an idealistic vision that many might scoff at... You must choose what you prefer.

Until we meet again.

SOURCE: www.tonkit360.com