Marcus Aurelius: Conceit no such things, as he that…

When someone treats you badly, do not let them write the script inside your head. They may want you to believe you are powerless, foolish, unlovable, or now entitled to retaliate. Marcus says to inspect the matter itself instead. What actually occurred? What did they say or do? What does it prove—and what does it not prove? This is a defense against manipulation as much as anger. A colleague’s jab may reveal their insecurity, not your inadequacy. A stranger’s comment online may be noise, not a verdict. Clear sight lets you respond proportionately: set a boundary, correct the record, forgive, or walk away. Today, separate the other person’s intention from your own judgment. Do not borrow their distorted view of the situation.