Metta meditation can be directed at the self, or towards others, but often it's easiest to begin with practicing with ourselves

Compassion practices teach us to release the resentment, anger, hatred, or disgust we hold close to our hearts.

There is no getting around hard feelings. We have two options: repress them or enter into them. Repressing them only saves them for later.

Upholding boundaries can be difficult, isolating and scary, particular with abusive people who experience boundaries as a threat.