I used to tell myself..❤️ I used to make excuses for how people treated me, saying maybe they were hurting or going through something. But then I realized I was hurting too, and I still never chose to be cruel. I carried my pain quietly, stayed kind, and tried to understand everyone even when my heart felt heavy. That's when it hit me that pain is not an excuse to disrespect someone. My empathy should never cost my self respect again..❤️