pivot point

I yelled at someone. Well, you could say I "spoke" as firmly and as loudly as I could without yelling, but lets just say I yelled, because that certainly gets the mood accurately. I yelled. I exposed my anger and defended myself, expressing exactly what I wanted. I didn't accuse him person or tear him down. I aggressively said, "Don't! You have entirely crossed my boundaries, and DO NOT do it again." It was a firm, clear command, and of course it is up to him to choose what he does with that and his reaction is entirely his choice, but I told him exactly what I want, and I did not hide the anger in my voice. I felt this strange sense of freedom in defending myself.

I've never done that before to a peer. I know I spoke that way to Robbie a few times, and growing up I know I had interactions like that with my mother and brother (Dad and I have never really had conflict), but to have that kind of interaction with someone outside of the family was entirely new to me.

I'm glad I said what I thought and expressed my feelings rather than just taking it. I was clear, direct, and firm...and honest.

Turning point for me. What an adventure, learning how to take care of myself.