At some point in everyone’s life, they experience the feeling of anger whether it be from someone cutting you off on the road, dealing with rude people or being betrayed by someone you thought was your friend.

There are different ways to deal with those types of hurt. And those difference comes from different types of people. They range from becoming angry and being confrontational all the way to completely ignoring that the act ever happened and choosing to go about their day. That is what is called taking the high road.

Most of us are taught our whole lives to always take the high road, and by that, I mean not letting those feelings get the best of us. Although, we usually don’t know what that phrase means until we’re in a situation where we need to do so.

One thing my parents have always taught me is that your reaction to a situation will affect the entire outcome — it’s all about perspective. The older I get and the more challenges life throws at me, the more I see that this couldn’t be truer.

I do believe there is an innocent part of us that is affected by hurt whenever it happens, as if we are so shocked that someone would ever do such a thing to another human. There’s a part of us that wants to take the immature route, and that’s natural.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s so easy in that particular moment to want to punch something or yell at someone for whatever they may be doing, but imagine how you would look if you started acting just as they are.

The first, and most important reason you should take the high road is to do it for yourself. By doing the immature thing of talking about them behind their back or posting on Yik-Yak about them (and thinking that they will never know it was you — yeah right), this only fuels the fire and is giving them, potentially, what they want. In the moment of the conflict, remember to just take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Will this matter one year from now?” If the answer is no, then let it go.

The second reason you should take the high road is because by doing this, you will come out on top. By not letting the betrayal of people get to you, you are teaching yourself patience and maturity. I believe that whatever you do to someone, good or bad, will come back to you in one way or another. That mindset is usually what keeps me sane.

Lastly, the third reason you should take the high road is to accept that some people are not going to change. People were born and raised differently than you, and your level of respect may not be the same as theirs. Your co-workers, family members or ex-friends will not change for you. They will only ever change for themselves. This is one of the hardest things that I struggle with personally, since I am a natural-born problem solver. I have to remind myself that not all problems can be solved.

I’ve learned from experience that no matter how immature and spiteful you want to be, it’s always better to take the high road. This simple motto is something that you will constantly have to remind yourself throughout your personal and professional lives. There will always be that one person or event that, no matter what, just boils your blood like no other. And even in my own experiences, there are times when I need to take my own advice and take the high road.

So, whether it’s your boss that’s always pushing your last button, that one family member that can’t stay out of drama or that ex of yours that is dating someone new — remember that you’re more mature and more capable of controlling the outcome of your situation more than you ever thought possible.