I really like how you say that there is a middle road because I feel like that's the road I'm more prone to taking. Personally, in the past I've fogiven too easily at times and bottled up my own feelings until they explode at others. I don't think I've ever really held a grudge, per se, but it's been hard to let issues go. Most of the time, I turned that inwardly rather than expressing it in a healthy way.

I think everything is situational. I think we tend to react and handle certain situations based on where we are in that moment — perhaps we had a bad day that leads to us holding that grudge or blowing up. Maybe we're feeling particularly forgiving and so we do so too easily, too quickly. I think the older we get, the more we're able to take a step back from the situation and gain perspective, and thus the more maturely we're able to handle a situation.

I think that's evidenced in how you handled the third scenario — let others know how you feel and see where that leads. Sometimes we can mend relationships. Other times we know it's best to let them go and move on.

Great post that made me take a look at how I deal with conflict in my own life. Thanks, Sam.

Although you may still be working on that one, I have to say that I totally appreciated when you were angry on my behalf. The fact that you felt so strongly about the situation showed me just how much you care and how much you value our friendship. In case you didn't know, the feeling is mutual xoxo

Professionally, I agree. There are things that we all tolerate because we don't want to make a big deal out of nothing, but that doesn't mean that we should be afraid to speak up if someone crosses the line. As far as I'm concerned, that's one of those times when you put yourself first, put your wellbeing above everything else. That's my two cents. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!