Marcus began some days by telling himself he'd meet people who were rude, ungrateful, or selfish, not to brace for battle, but to remember they act that way out of their own confusion, not to ruin his day. He couldn't be truly harmed by them unless he let their behavior pull him into bitterness. This isn't excusing real harm or letting people walk over you. It's choosing not to let someone else's bad moment become your bad day. The person who cut you off, snapped at you, ignored you, is carrying something you can't see. Meeting them with a little patience doesn't make you weak. It keeps you from handing your calm to whoever happens to be in a bad mood.

Inspired by the old idea of expecting difficult people. Written by Ugo Charles.