Are your kids or younger brothers having trouble with bullies in school or at work? Are you being bullied by someone? Here are some tips that will make you every bully's nightmare.
Don't start an all out war, but look the bully straight in the eyes
Bullies are dysfunctional beings. They have abnormal childhoods and they feel they are different from everyone else. They prey on those who are afraid, on those they can fool by their masquerade. Deep inside, bullies are afraid of someone who's not afraid of them. When you look a bully straight to the eye, you send a message that you are not afraid of him/her.
'Undermine' His Friends
Often, bullies have "minions", or blind followers who just stick with him/her because either they are afraid, or they feel it's cool to be counted as one of the bully's "homies". If you're a good hearted person by nature, then sincerely befriend or develop a close association with the bully's friends, but not with the bully himself. This will isolate him and may force him to give you some respect.
Don't try to be cool just to be accepted
Some high school folks become prey to bullies because deep inside, they admire those who bully them. The bully could be some sort of rich kid, or football player, or some cool popular girl who's got all the friends and the most expensive skirts. Whatever you do, don't try to be ONE OF THEM. Develop your own sphere of influence, do your own thing, stick to your own schedule. Let people love you for who you are and never "ride the coattails" of someone popular.
Surround Yourself With Respectable People
Bullies always feel a lack of respect, so they try to get it from weak, succumbing, and gullible individuals who do not have self respect. On the other hand, if you have self-respect and you surround yourself with respectable people in class or at your job, the bully sort of "looks" up to you because you have something that he/she doesn't have. In case the bully envies you, he can't do anything about it if influential people are on your side. It's called moral and influential ascendancy.
Call For Back-Up
In the case of a confrontation or physical abuse, don't stay silent. Inform your parents, your friends, the police, your boss, your superiors, or anyone who might be able to protect you. The problem with some people who are bullied is that they fear the bully so much that they don't tell anyone about the physical abuse. Never do that. Always call for help. That bully deserves to learn a hard lesson. Some ass kicking, maybe.
I will remember this when the day comes.Thanks Verniel
#3 by Lauren Axelrod, Aug 19, 2008
I usually like to use intelligent arguments since words are stronger than force.
#4 by The Quail, Aug 19, 2008
Very useful information and also very true. We must remember also that the only power another has over you is what you allow them to have. Well done! Verniel
#5 by Alexa Gates, Aug 19, 2008
great tips! There aren't too many physically abusive bullies out there anymore though :)
#6 by Jeffree, Aug 19, 2008
Great article. I'm sending this to my nephews who have been the target of bullies a few times too many.
#7 by Karen N, Aug 19, 2008
Very helpful tips!
#8 by donnaalene3, Aug 19, 2008
this is very good information,as my son was bullied when he was in school.
#9 by Ruby Hawk, Aug 19, 2008
This is wonderful advise. I will print it out for my grandkids.
