It is as impossible for a man to be cheated by any one but himself, as for a thing to be and not to be at the same time.

Someone can take your money, and that is a real theft with a real culprit. What cannot be taken from outside is your judgement, your honesty with yourself, and how you conduct the rest of your life afterwards. Most of the lasting damage in a bad episode comes from the story you agree to tell yourself about it, and that part is not in anyone else’s hands.

If something has gone against you, separate the loss from the conclusions. Deal with the practical harm as a practical matter. Then check whether you have quietly accepted a verdict about yourself that the facts do not support.