allegory of the cave in --

I’ll never forget the time an ex-partner told me in the middle of a fight that he’s better at arguing than I am so I should give up, then proceeded to insult me and name-call in other ways.

I never once name-called or emotionally abused him during a fight.

This is what I did instead:

I studied history. I finished college. I read books. I paid attention. I critically thought.

But while I was increasing my debate skills, it never occurred to me that perhaps I had the skills all along.

I was younger than he was, and less sure of myself.

I guess the passing of time is the light at the entrance of the cave.