Ayşe had been taking it all in as was her way, “So being upset or offended is a choice.”

T: “Seems so. If another invades your physical personal sovereign space then that is a matter whereby action may be required in defence. However, unpalatable words, ideas and thoughts are tolerated in communities where freedom of expression is a standard. An example of choosing victim status or not can be a broken heart. If a sweet heart rejects you, your subsequent broken heart is never the less a choice; you choose to be a victim and relinquish your energy or not; you are free to choose and respond to any given moment in time. It is so much easier in theory than practice because your head gets involved, but it is your choice to feel hurt and broken. A broken heart can be a challenge of character. It can certainly feel like a horrendously bollix situation, but none the less still a choice.”

p.099