Realizing that the behavior you have been putting up with is abusive is a GREAT first step!
It was just insane.
But what is really insane is that we allow ourselves to be treated like crap and as we stand there, we say, "I can't believe this! This is unfair and abusive!"
It is, but saying it is doesn't change it.
We have an opportunity to do something different this time.
It goes counter to everything we've learned to do.
We vote with our feet.
We walk away.
Then, there is no more abuse, or any need to be upset.
Just peace.
I look at it like a car fire.
If you see that on the highway, surrounded by cop cars and fire trucks and sirens, you're not going to walk over there to check it out.
You're not going to stand in the midst of it and say, "Wow! This is dangerous."
You're not going to try to save the people involved; there are professionals to help them.
You're going to get away from that danger. You're going to protect yourself and wish the best for the unfortunates involved. You're not going to spend hours worrying over the victims. If you hear the driver got rudely cut off, you're not going to spend hours being pissed at the reckless driver that led to the accident.
You're going to get away from that whole, awful scene and go home to a peaceful night.
They are the car fire.
p