I am feeling really low tonight, mainly because if I'm honest the sense of satisfaction I feel at someone else's mis-fortune. So I have this mixture of slight happiness, versus massive guilt.
4 years ago we were finally bullied, sadly there is no other word for it, out of a family business we'd put a lot of money, time and effort into to build and grow. It was very persistent, strengthened over time and nasty, involving our children and putting huge strain on our marriage. We left, it cost my husband his job and career, it cost us our home, it nearly bankrupted us and put us under huge emotional strain. We walked away on own accord in the end (legally we couldn't be forced out) but we were so deeply unhappy about the behaviours (emotional, passive aggressive and on occasion violent) of others that we left. At the time we tried to resolve, we tried to sort it out but it was made crystal clear that we either put up with the horrendous behaviours of two family members, or leave. We worked very hard, my husband started a new business from scratch, I returned to full time work (we then had a toddler and baby), we managed to get enough to buy a house this year etc - now we are very, very happy, settled and all good. We've not had any contact with family since.
I recently learnt that the family members we left because of, are now complaining and seeking legal action within the business because they feel 'bullied' by other family members. I felt smug, and my first thought was 'what comes around, goes around'. But then I had to really reflect on this, as actually what type of person does that make me? We went through hell, and now I'm happy that is happening to someone else???? When is it crossing the line, when am I like them? It sort of shocked me a bit how strongly I felt about it, how much anger it stirred up that they are now complaining about it - they are outraged by the fact someone isn't being nice to them. I do think i am being unreasonable, really I need to let it all go, look forwards not back!! Is this a normal reaction?