(Title themes until the end of February: Black-led films and shows/freestyle.)

It’s one thing to mourn the loss of someone passing away. But have you ever mourned the loss of respect you had for someone?

Yes, they’re still alive, but any positive feelings you may have received about them are gone.

It could be because of views that they hold which are tied to the harm of others, even yourself. Or the repeated way they treat you when no one is looking. Picking fights with you about where you’re lacking as a lover, or a son.

Even dismissing your experiences with traumatic people in your life, stating you should “grow up and move on.”

And other heartless behaviors that could have, or did hurt you or people you care for.

It doesn’t matter how you are or were connected.

You’re done.

And it’s expressed either quietly, or to their face.

They may even dare to say something to rile you up if you’re associated in a group setting, but do your best not to fall for it.

“Don’t feed the trolls,” as the internet-friendly phrase goes.

If they dare to come back to you as if nothing happened, remind them and send them away. If they return with a genuine apology, it’s fine to accept it, but keep the barrier up at your comfort.

They must remember what they’ve created, revived, or updated to prevent them, or anyone like them, to come back so easily.

On second thought, there is a positive feeling that comes from them.

They helped you recognize where the relationship has been, and needs to be, in order to reset your boundaries. While the experiences leading to it aren’t ever asked for, how else are we meant to process and protect the person we truly value most?