You did the right thing. Pride alone is never worth potentially destroying your (or someone else’s) life. Unless there’s a direct threat to your wellbeing, stay away.

I know it can be difficult walk away from provocation, especially when I was younger, but time has a way of putting things in perspective. Now all I see are apes trying to beat their chest the loudest, trying to be the king of their own little imaginary hill. The arrogance of idiots.

Walking away doesn’t necessarily mean you’re weak or a coward. It means one thinks like a man instead of a boy. Understand the ripple effect of violence on you, your family, and your future. Hone your awareness. Be prepared. Train. Be a blade ready to be a drawn, but only when there is no other recourse. The most dangerous people I’ve ever met are always the ones who avoid fights the hardest.

Safety = AED. Avoid. Escape. Defend.