One of the most valuable traits one can acquire is the ability to be bulletproof.
Through practice of meditation and stoicism, we can learn to focus on what is important and ignore what is not. Being a defensive and sensitive person is not a sin, but it does hold you back. It’s often a symptom of focusing on things you can’t control (i.e. what other people think and say).
You can’t control the actions or thoughts of others. The only thing you can control is how you respond to and deal with them. Which, ironically, will affect the actions and thoughts of others.
I’m not advocating for bullying or disrespect, but these things are inevitable. Don’t punch people in the face. Just know that there are assholes out there who punch people in the face and be prepared to defend yourself when you meet them.
”Those who can’t control their own emotions will try to control the actions of others.”