#17A BITTERNESS & VENGEANCE

If my current state is less than desired, I often focus on what’s wrong, feel bitter, angry, resentful or jealous, and look to assign blame. My response to feeling victimized is often to seek revenge and punish those responsible.  (Note: Some report that, until they get justice or enact revenge, they feel as if they’re held captive by the need for it. Bringing religion into this, those worshiping a spiteful Old Testament God may opt for vengeance and “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” Some vengeance is shame or scape-goating related. This can span a wide range: anything from ostracism to honor killing, murder / genocide.)