Self-Control.

It can be difficult these days to try to treat everyone, as much as possible, with empathy. To try to see the small, dim spark of goodness in people. But sometimes, they make it too easy to let go of your carefully cultured restraint. And yet, I still refrain from direct personal insultation. Rather, I tend to simply point out the truth, which people absolutely loathe. I have learned that you don't, in fact, have to be mean and childish to insult someone, you just have to give them a mirror. It's surprising just how similar to Dorian Gray so many people are. And they know they are. And they hate themselves, deeply, because of it.

I encountered one such woman recently. She was taking great pride in the fact that she had not "let herself go" after having only two kids and that other women who did were, in fact, "lazy." She was the pinnacle of womanly achievement, and all others should strive to be as good of a mother and wife as she. I praised her for being the ideal specimen of womanhood. Surprisingly, she accused me of being rather snarky. I simply pointed out to her that she, herself, had sung her own praises and I was merely congratulating her on such a wonderful accomplishment. Again, she was unhappy with my response and subsequently deleted her comment on the popular platform, much to my dismay.

May we all remember that seeking validation online is an empty act and humility should be a more prominent practice.