Hardship
In my ideal world relationships –friendships, partnerships, family ties, all kinds of human relations and contacts- are determined by empathy and understanding.
But the world is not ideal; fighting one another is the definition.
It is difficult to disengage from the battle whether you were the attacker, or you started out defending yourself. You won’t be able to stop first without being hurt.
Try to avoid situations where, or people for whom winning is the only goal.