One time I was talking to a friend, whom I had been very bitter towards because she had stopped talking to me.
It was just the fact that she- my absolute best friend in the whole world; she became a stranger. A distant somebody. A close nobody? I don't know either.
Anyways. I was listening to her gibber incessantly about her life and realized how shallow and selfish she was- never talking about anything but herself and disregarding all other opinions.
I think I became more uncomfortable over time. I was taught to be kind and friends with all,
to be kind,
that every individual was the way they are because of experiences,
Thinking I would feel guilty and selfish, for pushing someone aside like that, I tried to keep her close to me. Even though she did the same to me. Who was I to judge someone as close-minded as her, if I couldn't consider her as a friend still?
But I didn't want to be friends anymore. I don't know if we ever were. So we then continued talking stupid nothings and I left. The conversation itself wasn't as important as the lack of it.
I realized the golden rule I held against other people should be held for me too. I let her go for my self care, for my own kindness.
I feel better and I am unashamed.