When push comes to shove

I had a couple of incidents happen last weekend that caused me to see my life a little clearer. One was with friends, one was with family. I'm not saying that I'm "all knowing" now, but I actually felt my spine straighten and my chin lift up. Literally. I could start to taste what I'm made of. I cannot allow the comments that you feel necessary to make have the effect on me that they do. I won't be crushed by the words coming from your mouth. Our relationship is what it is. I love you, but it's my life. I love you for who you are, and I expect the same from you. If you choose not to do that, it's not my issue. The realization was a little exhausting, but I felt good about it. It felt very "sane".