Mean people suck. It has always seemed to me that it’s much easier to be nice to people than to be mean.

• It takes more effort to exclude someone than to include them.
• It’s easier to smile than to frown.
• It’s easier to tell the truth than to lie.

Unfortunately hurt feelings last a long time and saying your sorry sometimes just doesn’t make it better. Regrettably the world is full of people who choose to be mean. Yes, I believe it is a choice.

Life’s lesson is that when people are mean to you it’s best to let it run off you like water off a duck. Real friends aren’t mean. They’re either not really your friend or they’re trying to impress someone else at your expense. In either case it sucks. Hurt takes time to heal and sometimes “I’m sorry” just doesn’t cut it.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. You probably cause yourself more angst by thinking about it that blowing it off. Almost everyone should get a second chance, especially those you’ve known for a long time. I hope my son learns this lesson.