We all have enemies. Sometimes they’re people at work, sometimes they’re former friends. Sometimes they’re former partners. And they oppose us, and work against us. And when they’re confronted with this, they conflate, switch subjects or gaslight us.

If these people do this to you,you can respond or retaliate, or argue with them. Which is what lots of songs will encourage you to do. Here’s my advice: don’t bother.

Yes, don’t bother engaging with the people who are flinging crap at you. If you’ve wronged them, make what amends you feel you can. But know this: for some, it will not be enough. You could give them all the money in the world, make all their problems disappear, but unless you give in, and do exactly what they want, regardless of what it does to you, they won’t stop.

But here’s the secret: live well. Be happy, and do things that make you happy. Sing your song, speak your truth. Some people will not like it. But you’ll find out who your friends really are. Dance your way through this life, as much as possible. Stuck in traffic? Boogie in your seat. Waiting for the doctor? Time for some Taylor Swift or Erasure, whatever your jam is.

I’ve bene in a funk off and on the last week, and there’s forces that want to keep me down. They want me to believe that I am something I’m not, but they want to keep that in their heads, because it fits their narrative. Don’t let them sour your life. Dance when you want to dance, write when you want to write, and say what you want to say. Then eat the hell out of your dessert, and love all you can in this life. Good night.