No excuse for bad behavior

Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of hot takes on divorce—particularly the way society expects women to tolerate badly behaved men, while those same men just want to "enjoy life."  

I’ve always believed that the best response to cheating is to walk away. But since many people frown upon divorce, they often try to justify staying. On the other hand, some see cheating back as a way to level the playing field—because, let’s be honest, people rarely behave well when there are no real consequences.  

First of all, we need to acknowledge a simple truth: adult actions are deliberate choices. You have to be incredibly unserious to dish out what you wouldn’t be able to take.  

It’s honestly exhausting how people bend over backward to make excuses for bad behavior, dismissing it as a mistake or misunderstanding. This kind of leniency only enables a cycle of irresponsibility and harmful patterns. Adults—by virtue of their age and experience—should be held to a standard of sound judgment and accountability.  

Excusing their behavior doesn’t just undermine that expectation; it also ignores the damage they cause to others. And the worst part? Many of them push boundaries, test limits, and then hide behind flimsy justifications when confronted. Some will even drive you to an extreme reaction, only to turn around and say, "You’re overreacting."  

Then there’s the gaslighting—the manipulation that makes people question their own reality, all to silence anyone who dares to demand accountability. This is not just toxic; it’s a calculated attempt to escape responsibility and perpetuate psychological abuse.  

Refusing to accept excuses isn’t about being unreasonable—it’s about demanding respect. It’s about setting boundaries and refusing to tolerate behavior that undermines your well-being or basic principles of decency.  

Personally, I believe in giving people a taste of their own medicine. However, I understand that for some, this approach may seem excessive or conflict with their faith. That being said, what we cannot do is mistake excuses for genuine remorse and change.  

People will quote religion, tradition, and whatever else suits them to keep others in line, but stand your ground. Demand accountability.  

No one should destabilize your life with their unseriousness. If you can’t serve them their own coin, at the very least, make sure they answer for their actions.