I saw a mutual friend make a very heated complaint about something total strangers were doing that arguably would also would apply completely to me.

And I did NOT charge in and say "Well, I guess that means you hate me too" and pre-emptively fire them into the sun and mute them.

Because it really doesn't matter and there's no reason to make an issue out of it. The issue would have been PURELY a matter of my singed fur and barely-nicked personal honor. There was NOTHING at stage between me and them, and they owed me NOTHING just for having an opinion.

I've lost too damn many people that way already, because I had a moment of Keepin' It Real and defending my dunderheaded dago honor. And I seem to have FINALLY learned to stop doing it, though the original instinct was there and it was strong-- and in retrospect, it was nothing but fear and pride behind the urge. So... nothing. Illusions. Maya. Tigerfarts.

The issue doesn't matter at all. Even if you happen to be the person I'm talking about, it doesn't matter. Everything is cool. I really truly just wanted to document that for one more brief shining moment, I actually mastered my emotions and reined them in, and I'm very proud of myself.