14/12/2025
Take it personally. Not in a way that breaks you, but in a way that finally tells you the truth.
They knew it would hurt you—and they chose to do it anyway. That part matters. People aren’t always ignorant; sometimes they’re aware, calculated, and willing to trade your pain for their comfort, convenience, or ego. When someone proceeds despite knowing the damage it will cause, that’s not a mistake. That’s a decision.
Intent speaks louder than apology. Apologies are easy when the damage is already done. They cost nothing after the fact. But intention is revealed in the moment of choice—when they could have paused, considered you, respected the bond, and chose differently. They didn’t. And no amount of regret afterward erases that truth.
Taking it personally doesn’t mean blaming yourself. It means acknowledging that you were considered—and still disregarded. It means recognizing that their actions were not accidental, impulsive, or harmless. They were informed. And informed harm tells you exactly where you stand.
People show you who they are not when they’re explaining themselves, but when they’re deciding. If someone repeatedly chooses behavior that wounds you, knowing the impact, believe that pattern. Not the words. Not the tears. Not the promises to “do better next time.”
You’re allowed to let that realization sharpen your boundaries. You’re allowed to walk away without waiting for closure or a perfect apology. Because respect isn’t proven by how sorry someone sounds—it’s proven by what they refuse to do once they know it hurts you.
Take it personally enough to protect yourself.
Not enough to internalize their lack of care,
but enough to never ignore it again.
“Andy Burg”
