A good person doesn't hold grudges, seek retribution, or try to make others' lives miserable. They try to talk things through. They strive to clear the air and reach a consensus, effectively getting rid of any bad blood between both parties.
If you've made an attempt to mend fences but the other person refuses, not only are they sabotaging the relationship, but themselves. Holding on to bitter resentment will only trap him or her in a vicious cycle of negativity that will be very difficult to break free of.
And when people harbor negative feelings toward others, it is often a reflection of how they feel about themselves. Whether they're upset that they didn't get the promotion at work or despondent over their relationship woes, they project onto others the disappointment they feel with themselves for falling short of their goals.
Never let the way others treat you define you. People who set out to hurt others likely suffer from bruising self-doubt and low self esteem that they keep under wraps in public. It's a desperate attempt to glom onto some semblance of control and compensate for what's missing in their lives.
If anything, the way they behave toward and around you says more about their character than yours. They fail to realize that others don't deserve to bear the brunt of their anger. And rather than allow unresolved conflicts to fester, they should become more amenable to resolving them.
If it becomes apparent that these people will never change for the better -- which is always a very strong possibility -- cut your losses and move on. You don't need their negativity spilling into your life. Instead, surround yourself with people who infuse your life with warmth, laughs, and positive vibes.
In sum, you are above those who try to bring you down. Don't feel bad. Feel empowered!
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