“Maybe instead of wasting your energy on tearing others down, you should invest it in self-reflection. It could do wonders for you.” With that, I walked away, my heart racing, but my head held high.

As I exited the restaurant, a wave of relief and empowerment washed over me. The cool evening air felt refreshing against my skin, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere I’d just left behind. I realized that I had taken back control, refusing to let his venomous words wound me permanently.