Someone said to me once, “Your partner is your guru.” This was, of course, when I was annoyed at my partner.

It made me think about all the irritating people in my life and how they are all my gurus. From them I learn to be patient, to listen to coflicting opinions first and formulate better arguments, to avoid certain actions or ways of being, etc.

This is not to say I don’t distance myself for protection. Only a saint could deal with emotionally exhausting, soul-sucking crap 24/7. However, it is also impossible to avoid unless I become a hermit.

I feel better about these interactions by reminding myself that they are an exercise in learning to walk a little more strongly in the world. This helps me maintain more composure and psychological distance. It also makes me feel oddly spiritually shielded from whatever drama is going down.