I choose to be offended.....

Sometimes it seems that we can solve the worlds problems and issues with a pot of coffee and a good, intelligent thought provoking conversation. Recently, we were discussing situations in which we learned something and took that away with us for life. In the 9th grade,
I was seated next to a gentleman with blue hair and piercings in mr jones biology class. Being the early 80's this was something new and I wasn't quite sure how to take this individual. His name was Adam. At first, I was reluctant to have much to do with Adam, As he didn't fit the "norm". As time went on we became good friends and I was able to admit to him some time later that I was actually uncomfortable by his appearance and that was why we didn't talk sooner. Rather than being upset he smiled at me, hugged me and made a statement that has stated with me from that moment on...."to each his own my love". (Adam was in theater as well I'm sure the line came from one of the many plays he was in)
Earlier this week I was involved in another conversation in which I took away another tidbit. I had stared to each his own in which came the reply "I choose to be offended". The point was made that when someone does or says something that we find offensive, it's because we choose to be offended. no one had the power or ability to offend us unless we give them that power. Just wanted to give everyone a little food for thought on this Wednesday.