In many moments some persons aren't just mean, they're disrespectful.  Growing up I was always told to "Stay out big people business" and "Never disrespect your elders".  And as a child I always questioned why, nit because I wanted to be disrespectful but why was it ok for others to be towards me and I just simple stood there and took it. As a grew older and began to form my our personality and identity I saw the cracks within many statements that were made to me as a child with emphasis of "Holding your tongue".  

Now that I am an adult, there have been many instances where I've held my tongue in moments of utter disrespect but I'm learning the respect can only be given to those who reciprocate such.

“Staying silent is like a slow growing cancer to the soul and a trait of a true coward. There is nothing intelligent about not standing up for yourself. You may not win every battle. However, everyone will at least know what you stood for—YOU.”
― Shannon L. Alder