Portrayal and perceptions.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Canon definitely has its place, especially with less well-developed characters; however, the show inevitably may try to define them in unforeseen ways. But canon shouldn't really matter when conflicts of that nature occur, because the character you fell in love with is no longer defined by the show.

Good way of putting it. I accept the Nightmare Rarity arc and her Fiendship is Magic as canon, though I've realized Nightmare is no longer defined by the cartoon nor comics.

but really when I see the stuff that "triggers" me I typically just ignore it.

I struggled with stuff like a few months ago, it's gotten easier to ignore the bad stuff, fortunately.