Category: bullies

funny quotes about bullies

Quotes About Bullies that Help You Feel Good About Yourself

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Are you enduring bullying by classmates, coworkers, neighbors, or even family? Here are 15 quotes about bullies you must read and remember.

quotes about bullies

Bullies can rip your confidence and self-esteem to pieces.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn quotes about bullies you can read to feel better about yourself.

Once you read these quotes, your self-esteem will get a boost, and you’ll feel more confident. Just know that you’re better off than your bullies ever will be.

This post will give you several quotes about bullies so you can feel better, knowing that their behavior is about them, not you.

Quotes about bullies

Bullying crushes your self-esteem and your spirit. But it doesn’t have to. I can’t stress this enough. If you are bullied, it’s not your fault, and there is nothing wrong with you.

Here are quotes on bullies and bullying that make you feel better once you read them.

1. “You will never reach higher ground if you are always pushing others down.”

– Jeffrey Benjamin –

Really think about this quote for a minute. Bullies can’t rise on their own. Therefore, they must make you feel bad to feel good about themselves.

‘You see? When bullies have a foot on your neck, they can’t go anywhere either. They’d have to move their foot first. So, when they try to hold you back, they end up holding themselves back too. It’s funny how that works.

Moreover, it’s up to you whether to let them drag you down. Don’t make it easy for them. Make them work at it and ensure that they fail.

You do this by continuing to be yourself. You also win by believing in yourself in spite of what they tell you. Moreover, you do it when you keep working on your goals and pursuing your dreams.

Quotes about Bullies:

2. “If people throw stones at you, pick them up and build something.”

– Lecrae –

This quote is so empowering. It’s one of my favorites! When you live by this, you turn pain into power. You also turn failure into fierceness.

For instance, if people bully you, you can learn many life lessons from it. Moreover, you can write books and teach others what you have learned to help them overcome bullying.

Or, you can write music to help people. You can also start an organization that helps other victims of bullying.

Whatever your shtick is, use it to help others who are struggling with bullying like you once did.

3. “Blowing out someone else’s candle doesn’t make yours shine any brighter.”

– Anonymous –

Bullies may think it does. And it might for the moment, but superficial rewards are always temporary. They wear off quickly. Then, the next thing you know, your bullies always come back for more.

True power comes from within. It comes from hard work. It also comes from your own personal accomplishments. Most bullies don’t know how to succeed at anything. Therefore, they bully you to make themselves look better than what they are.

Quote about Bullies:

4. “If people are trying to bring you down, it only means that you are above them.”

– Unknown –

This makes perfect sense. Why? Because if you’re already down, your bullies don’t have to work as hard to keep you there.

If you’re a victim of bullying, have you noticed that the moment you become confident, the bullying always gets worse? Even your so-called friends may dig at you. I say this because it happened to me years ago.

Your self-belief threatens them. Therefore, they must work twice as hard to bring you back down to their level.

So, don’t make it easy for them. Continue to make them work.

5. “You never look good trying to make someone else feel bad.”

– Unknown –

That’s the truth. If bullies are trying so hard to tear you down, it’s their issue, not yours. Think about it. They’re not happy people.

Only those who are miserable try to tear you down. Therefore, their behavior says everything about them.

And bystanders notice that. They just don’t admit it because they’re scared of becoming the next targets.

Quotes about Bullies:

6. “Ignore the people who are always talking behind your back. That’s where they belong, behind you.”

– Unknown –

These are some of the truest words ever written. Most people who talk behind your back are cowards.

They don’t have the guts to say it to your face. Why? Because they’re afraid you might tell them where they can stick it.

Only those who are insecure gossip and spread rumors. And the fact that you don’t have to resort to this kind of behavior means that you’re already ahead.

Take comfort in that.

7. “Loud is not strong and quiet is not weak.”

– Unknown –

Have you noticed that bullies love to pick on the quiet ones? And have you noticed that bullies are usually loud and obnoxious?

Bullies may pick on the silent ones because they think they’re weak. Sometimes that’s true. However, it goes much deeper.

The quiet ones intimidate bullies.

“Watch out for the quiet ones” isn’t just a saying. It rings true. Quiet people are unpredictable. And that scares bullies.

Therefore, they target them the most to get them to react. This is how bullies study you and predict what you’ll do next.

Quotes about Bullies:

People who are loud crave attention.

Here’s another thought. Those who are the loudest do it to show off. They want everyone to notice them. It’s quite pathetic when you really think about it.

Loud is boastful. Quiet is modest.

Bullies are desperate for approval. And they get admiration from only those who want to be like them.

Therefore, loudness only shows weakness. Silence, on the other hand, shows strength.

8. “Don’t listen if someone says you aren’t good enough.”

– Unknown –

This is great advice. It’s your responsibility not to let others make you feel bad. In other words, you don’t have to believe them. Therefore, you must reframe everything bullies tell you.

It’s not that you aren’t good enough for them. It’s that they aren’t good enough for you.

Quotes about Bullies:

9. “Courage is fire and bullying is smoke.”

– Benjamin Disraeli –

Mr. Disraeli is absolutely right. ‘You see? Bullies are cowards. Moreover, they’re impostors. They put on a huge front to impress others.

Bullies act tough. And they make it seem as if they have boatloads of money. They make themselves look invincible. However, if you look more closely, you’ll see through the facade.

A bully’s worst fear is exposure. Therefore, it’s up to you to make that fear come true.

True courage doesn’t bully; it stands up to bullying.

10. “Bullying is a horrible thing. It sticks with you forever. It poisons you. But only if you let it.”

– Heather Brewer – 

This quote is another favorite of mine. And it’s one I believe in.

It’s your responsibility to protect your self-esteem from bullying. Never allow bullies to take away your confidence. Instead, reframe everything they tell you.

Bullies often project their own shortcomings onto you. They accuse you of the very things they do. Therefore, you must see through the behavior and call it out.

It’s the only way you’ll save your self-esteem.

Also, stand up to them. Never ignore them. Have a few comebacks ready for verbal bullies. And if a physical bully hits you, it’s okay to hit them back.

11. “Bullying is not a reflection of the victim’s character, but rather a sign of the bully’s lack of character.”

– Unknown –

Their behavior isn’t about you, it’s about them. Happy people don’t go around trying to make others’ lives miserable.

Misery loves company. And it’s the only reason bullies have victims. They need someone else to feel just as bad as they do. Therefore, it only highlights their own lack of character.

Quotes about Bullies:

12. “To be a friend of a bully so they won’t bully you too gives you a false friend who doesn’t value you or your friendship.”

– Ty Howard –

How true this is. Most bullies don’t have friends; they have followers. Bullies need their groupies to back them up and do their dirty work for them.

And once their followers have served their purpose, the bully quietly discards them.

Therefore, the next time a bully recruits others to mistreat you, know that they’re only tools. They’re being used to make the bully look well-liked.

13. “People who love themselves don’t hurt other people. The more we hate ourselves, the more we want others to suffer.”

– Dan Pearce – 

Again, happy people don’t go around trying to make others’ lives miserable. They don’t have to. When someone is truly happy, they want to see others happy too.

14. “Life is a fight, but not everyone is a fighter. Otherwise, Bullies would be an endangered species.”

– Andrew Vachs – 

So true! Remember that bullies select their victims very carefully. They only go after those they think won’t fight back. The favorite victims of bullies are those with low self-esteem.

If everyone fought back, bullies wouldn’t exist.

Quotes about Bullies:

15. “You’ll miss the best things in life if you allow a bully to scare and force you to hide and live inside yourself.”

– Ty Howard –

Believe it or not, bullies can discourage you from doing many things you’d like to do. For instance, if you love to sing, you might want to enter a talent show.

However, your bully has you convinced that you’ll lose. Moreover, you’re scared that people may boo you off the stage. So you decide not to risk it.

Life is full of risks. And if you don’t try, you’ll never know what the results will be. There are many people who let fear stand in their way. These are those who would otherwise find success.

So, let this quote encourage you to face your fear and do it anyway.

This post gave you quotes about bullies so that they may encourage you to take back your power and your freedom.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Why Fake Friends Stick Around: 6 Must-Know Reasons

2. Why Bullies Target Quiet People: 11 Must-Know Reasons

3. Character vs Reputation: 4 Tactics Bullies Use to Smear You

4. Who are Usually the Victims of Bullying? 11 Traits of Bully Targets

5. Psychological Abuse Tactics: 9 Mind Games Seasoned Bullies Use

responding in kind meaning

Responding in Kind: 7 Reasons to Do So with Bullies

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‘Want to know why responding in kind is important for your mental health? Here are all the reasons you need to know that it’s okay to respond in kind when someone crosses the line with you.

responding in kind

Responding in kind helps keep you safe from bullying by inspiring respect. Therefore, in this post, you will learn why responding in kind is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Once you learn all about this life-changing fact, you will be compelled to treat yourself with respect by not allowing others to mistreat you.

This post is all about responding in kind and why it’s important, so that you can live a drama-free life.

Responding in Kind

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with responding in kind when someone tries to mistreat you. It shows that you command the dignity and respect that’s due to the next person.

Moreover, it shows that you won’t tolerate crap from bullies. It also sends the message that you have the guts to stand your ground when some creep violates your boundaries.

As a society, we’ve been conditioned by politicians, the media, educators, and certain members of our families. They’ve trained us that responding in kind only makes us as bad as our bullies and abusers.

And, sadly, we’re still being conditioned to believe that bull. We’re being told to “ignore” people’s atrocious behavior, and in some cases, even submit to it.

Power and force are the only things bullies and abusers understand.

However, I want you to understand that the only thing bullies understand is strength and power. People-pleasing does not work. And anyone who gives off even a hint of weakness is fair game.

Therefore, if you don’t respond in kind to bad behavior, bullies will take full advantage. Why? Because they will get the message that there are no consequences for their abuse.

And they will think they can walk all over you anytime they want. Then, there will be no stopping them from escalating the bullying, and no limit to how far they go.

Responding in Kind:

Bullies Pay Attention to consequences.

You must set boundaries. And you set boundaries by imposing consequences on anyone who violates them.

But how do you impose consequences? By responding in kind to bullies when they cross the line.

Notice I say “respond,” not “react.” By responding the right way, you show that you’re not afraid to stand your ground. Also, you signal that you command the same dignity and respect given to the next person.

Society subtly programs us to take abuse.

There’s no law that says that you must accept abuse from anyone. Yet we’re being subtly told to accept it.

And we should take it with a smile, and a yes, sir/ma’am, then ask for seconds. In today’s world, society tries to dictate that we should agree to abuse.

Um- no! That’s not how life works! And it isn’t how human nature works. Every action is followed by a response!

Bullies must realize that there are consequences if they harm another person. And we must understand that the threat of consequences keeps the bad guys away.

Without accountability, there would be anarchy! Bullies would have free rein over us all.

So, never be afraid to respond in kind. Moreover, never feel guilty for it. It’s normal, expected, and it’s how you defend yourself against predators. It’s also how you treat yourself well.

Here are all the reasons to respond in kind to bad people.

Responding in Kind:

1. You protect yourself from abuse.

Your protection is your responsibility. No one is coming to save you. Therefore, it is up to you to protect yourself from human predators. You can defend yourself from different kinds of abuse. Here are a couple of examples.

Exclusion.

Media and other talking heads preach against exclusion. However, people have been excluding others since the dawn of time. It’s a cruel part of human nature.

Moreover, most people try to force others to include them anytime they are excluded. This is the wrong thing to do. It’s counterproductive. Because the more you insert yourself, the more the group will push you out.

But really think about this for a minute. Do you really want anything to do with those who don’t want to be around you?

Instead of trying to force them to accept you, look at it another way.  Those who exclude you are the trash that takes itself out.

Therefore, the best way to defend yourself from exclusion is to exclude them from your life as well. Two can play that game.

They don’t want to be around you? Then the feeling is mutual; you don’t want to be around them either. This is how you respond in kind.

Physical bullying.

You should never take physical abuse. No one has the right to put their hands on you. Therefore, it’s simple: they hit you first, and you hit them back.

Remember, bullies only respond to consequences. So, give them severe ones. Make them never want to make the mistake of hitting you again.

By doing these things, you protect yourself from abuse. Why? Because not only will the bullies leave you alone, but those who are around to see it will too.

Responding in Kind:

2. You preserve your self-esteem.

Nothing feels worse than having everyone walk over you and not having the guts to do anything about it. In fact, you feel weak and defeated. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

When you finally stand up to abuse, you will be amazed at how it boosts your self-esteem. The bullies may or may not change their behavior.

But you’ll feel better just knowing that you stopped taking their crap. Your confidence will soar! And people will think twice before messing with you again.

3. You encourage others to respect you and themselves.

When you stand up to bullies the right way, you earn respect. Moreover, not only will the bullies respect you, but the people watching will too.

But the best part is that you will learn to respect yourself. Why? Because once you stand up for yourself, you’re more likely to do it again until it becomes a habit.

And lastly, other victims just might follow your lead. They will begin defending themselves from bullies. Why? Because “if they can do it, I can too.”

Responding in Kind:

4. You keep drama out of your life.

There’s a reason that bullies only pick on certain people and not others. It’s because the others won’t take their crap, and they know it.

Therefore, when you respond in kind, especially in the early stages of bullying, you become harder to mess with. Bullies like easy targets. Don’t be one of them.

Bullies are all about drama. In fact, they thrive on it. Therefore, if you can keep them away, you avoid the drama that comes with them.

Then, you can live in peace.

5. You keep your dignity.

There’s no dignity in being a punching bag. In fact, if you let bullies bully you, everyone else will think they can do it too. It’s called the swarm effect.

When one bully messes with you, others will want to join in if you don’t put a stop to it. One bully will bully you, then two. The next thing you know, you’ll have four bullies on your tail. Then, eight, and so on.

And before you know it, everyone will want to get a piece of your ass. Bullying spreads like a virus. You would be surprised at how contagious it is.

Dignity comes with respect. Therefore, if no one respects you, there’s no dignity. So, stand up for yourself. Don’t take their shit. Whether or not you have dignity depends on how you teach people to treat you.

Responding in Kind:

6. You maintain control of your life.

When you’re being bullied, you don’t have control of your life; they do. Bullies get to control how you feel about yourself. Also, they can even control your physical well-being.

Don’t give them that kind of power over you. Instead, stand up to them. Let them know you won’t let them just walk all over you.

Know that you are not a dumping ground for others’ anger and other mental issues. Therefore, take back control of your life. Stand up to bullying. And have nothing to do with anyone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart.

7. You experience freedom.

When you don’t have to deal with bullies, you experience total freedom. You are free to be yourself. You’re free to live in peace. And you’re free from bullying and abuse.

Remember that bullying is all about control. And they can only control your life if you let them. Therefore, do what you must do to protect yourself from those leeches.

When you respond in kind, you take back your freedom. They may bully you worse for a time, but eventually, they’ll get tired if you keep standing up to them.

And once they do, you’ll have freedom to be yourself and live in peace.

In Conclusion

Responding in kind is a way to set and enforce your boundaries. It imposes consequences on creeps who step over the line. At the same time, it protects your self-esteem and keeps you safe from people who wish to abuse you.

You maintain control over your life because you teach people to respect your right to safety. In that, you keep your dignity, repel drama, and experience the freedom to live in peace and be happy. And you can do it without guilt or apology.

This post is all about responding in kind so that you can overcome bullying, take control of your life, and live in peace.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. No Apology Necessary: 8 Things You Should Never Apologize For

2. Types of People to Avoid to Protect Yourself from Bullying

3. How to Stop Being Too Nice: 5 Powerful Changes that Win Respect

4. Disadvantages of Being a People Pleaser: 7 Consequences of Putting Yourself Last

5. Standing Up to Bullies: 7 Ways Bullies React When You Stop Taking Their Crap

6. Benefits of Setting Boundaries

tactics bullies use against you

Tactics Bullies Use: 6 Things They Do to Throw You Off

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Do you know the most common tactics bullies use? You will find them here so that you will recognize them if they happen to you.

tactics bullies use

There are many tactics bullies use. However, many of them aren’t as obvious as others.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn more about the sneakier ones so that you can call them out and defend yourself from them.

Once you learn all these techniques, you will be able to protect yourself more easily and even overcome bullying altogether.

This post is all about the tactics bullies use, so you can name them and protect yourself.

Tactics Bullies Use

Although you may understand the context of what is happening, you may not know how to name it. So, let’s discuss.

1. Rattling You

Before getting violent, bullies will often try to rattle you to intimidate you and throw you off balance. It’s how they mess with your mind. For example, if you’re a kid who is being bullied in school, here’s what your bullies may do to rattle you.

  • Deliberately knock over your drink and spill it
  • Pluck a piece of food from your plate and pop it into their mouth at lunch.
  • Kick your books, backpack, or purse with their foot
  • Fling your hair back
  • Flick your nose with one finger
  • Give you a non-friendly slap on the back
  • Shoulder-check you as they walk past you in the hall or parking lot
  • Knock your hat or cap off.

Workplace bullies may also knock your files off your desk. This doesn’t happen often, but it isn’t unheard of.

Understand that bullies use these tactics to provoke a reaction. They may even be looking for a fight. Why else would they invade your space or territory?

tactics bullies use.

2. Daring You.

For example, a bully may stand with feet apart and arms wide, forming a T-stance. By doing this, the bully is telling you to “Bring it” or “Come on, I dare you.”

3. Making deliberate, sudden movements.

For instance, the bully may back away from you and act like he is going to punch you, then stop himself and laugh.

They may also lunge at you, then stop themselves. These tactics are the favorite of bullies. Understand that bullies make these deliberate moves to cause you to flinch.

They then stand back and laugh. Then, they claim that this normal reaction is proof that you’re scared of them and don’t have the guts to fight them back.

4. Mock physical attacks.

For example, bullies may begin dancing around the room and shadowboxing. By doing this, the bully is clearly showing what he wants to do to you.

Understand that when bullies toy with you, they really want to square off. See it for what it is and call it out as it is.

The best defense against this is calling the bully out. Here’s what you say:

  • “Do you realize how foolish you look?”
  • “Wow! You look like a total moron!”, “whack-job”, etc.

Understand that there is a proper way to counter a bully using these kinds of tactics. And that is to insult his intelligence or sanity. And when you do, it’s best to do it in front of an audience.

The bully will either back off or react emotionally. Bullies absolutely despise looking like fools and being called out on it.

Tactics Bullies Use:

5. Asking Gotcha Questions

Not only are politicians notorious for asking gotcha questions, but so are bullies. What is a gotcha-question, you may ask?

Gotcha questions are those that put you in a bad light, no matter how you respond. They can do damage even if you don’t respond to them at all.

Therefore, these are the types bullies will ask you in public, just to humiliate you. In fact, these kinds are best asked in front of an audience.

Gotcha questions are forms of entrapment. Why? Because bullies use them to trap you into looking bad to others.

examples of Gotchas:

  • “Hey, Jeff, do your friends know you got arrested the other day?”

This question says Jeff was arrested. It implies that he is a criminal and assumes that he was arrested, whether his friends realize it or not.

If Jeff answers yes, it means that he’s a criminal and his friends know about it. If he answers no, it still means that Jeff is a criminal, only that none of his friends are aware of it.

  • “Hey, Jennifer, how many people know that you spent time in a mental institution?”

Again, the question makes a statement- one that says that Jennifer was institutionalized. It implies that she was in a mental institution, whether anyone knows it or not.

If Jennifer answers yes, it means that she has mental issues, and others know about it. A no means that no one knows that she has a mental illness and that she’s hiding it from everyone.

These types of questions are “gotchas” because they are closed-ended questions that leave no room for the truth.

Tactics Bullies Use:

Bullies ask gotchas to entrap you.

  • “Tabitha, did you ever get help for your alcoholism?”

By asking this, the bully is accusing Tabitha of having alcoholism without directly doing so. It’s a slick way for them to attack her.

A yes means that Tabitha was “a drunk” in the past. A no implies that Tabitha is still a “boozehound.” And that’s what people will think.

Furthermore, if she responds by saying, “I’ve never had a drinking problem,” it would sound like a cover-up. Why? Because others would wonder why anyone would ask such a question if they weren’t privy to such private information.

It implies that the asker knows information that hasn’t been available to anyone else.

  • “Does Ella know that you slept with her boyfriend?”

Here, you have three options. You can answer yes or no, or choose not to respond. Either way, the bully is still implying that you slept with Ella’s boyfriend. It’s a stealthy way for the questioner to call you a whore.

Therefore, if you are being bullied, you must learn very quickly how to spot gotcha questions. Then, you must call them out as such. Be sure to respond in a way that makes you look the least guilty.

healthy responses to gotchas:

If a bully ever confronts you with a gotcha, this is how to respond:

  • “You’re wasting your time with the gotcha-questions because they don’t work on me.”
  • “You need to quit with the gotcha-questions. I’m wise to your games. You’re fooling no one.”

The trick here is to call the person out by calling the questions what they are. And when you do, do it as intelligently as possible.

It may or may not save your good name. However, you’ll feel good knowing you called it out without letting the bully throw you off balance. And sometimes, that’s enough.

Tactics Bullies Use:

6. Smear Campaigns

It always starts subtly. Bullies start rumors by dropping a suggestion. And all it takes is one little rumor- just one! Because bystanders will want to believe it.

If enough people do, it will become the truth even if it is a bald-faced lie. And there’s no getting away from public opinion, no matter how false or unjustified it is.

Bullies ruin targets by making things up, leaking info they hear, or spreading ideas. Next, the bullies will fade into the background.

They’ve done their part, and now they can sit back and let the rumor mill do the work for them. It’s that easy! Let’s break it down.

How it works:

For example, bullies start by suggesting that you would be better off getting professional help. They will say that it’s for your own good.

They may then drop an offhand comment here and another there. In the beginning, you may have friends and be very well-liked. And they may try to support you and speak on your behalf.

However, that’s when your bullies will tell them, “Oh, no. There’s more to it than what they told you.” Or, the bullies may lie to them by claiming that sometime in the past, you stabbed them in the back.

Now it’s time for the bullies to stand back and let the old rumor mill do its handiwork. And, sure enough, the lies become the truth. People begin reporting things to the bullies, even things that never happened.

Tactics Bullies Use:

The rumors get bigger and more bizarre as they spread.

And as the rumors and lies spread from person to person, they get bigger. Finally, they sound so bizarre that they’d make good content for a horror movie.

You might say, “Aw, but they’re my friends. They’d never do that to me. And I have a clean reputation. All I have to do is tell them my side of things, and this stuff will go away.”

Wrong!

Once the rumors start sticking, your buddies will no longer believe you to be right. They’ll only think you’re a thorn in the side with a big mouth. Therefore, you’ll no longer have a clean reputation.

Before long, everyone thinks you never deserved any respect. And the only reason you were so well-liked is that you conned your way into everyone’s hearts.

They’ll say you put on a front. The bullies and their followers may even accuse you of being a kiss-ass.

Your good qualities won’t matter.

They’ll rewrite your history. Your past wins and accomplishments will be made irrelevant. They will minimize anything good about you, while maximizing your mistakes and failures.

Even if they see with their own eyes evidence of your successes, friendships, or anything positive, they’ll deny it. Or they’ll only react by claiming that you’re a smooth-talker who’s darn good at manipulating others.

Moreover, your former friends will claim that they never liked you from the start. They’ll only say that they were kind to you because you deceived them.

They’ll tell others, “who you really are.” And they’ll claim that the bullies you bitched about were only reacting to your sneaky provocations. If they ever agreed with you about your bullies, they only did so because you fooled them.

Tactics Bullies Use:

Telling your side of things will be pointless.

And telling your side of things will do no good because they’ll never believe it anyway. Your embittered friends “may have fallen for it at first,” but now they claim to “know better.”

Their minds will already be made up, and there will be no changing them.

What you should do if you ever find yourself in this situation.

Many of the tactics bullies use are good. You’ve got to admit. Moreover, they’re damn hard to undo.

If you ever become the target of a smear campaign, it’s best to find a way out of the environment. And don’t look back. Also, you must write these people off forever.

This post is all about the sneaky tactics bullies use so you can recognize them and protect yourself.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Psychological Abuse Tactics: 9 Mind Games Seasoned Bullies Use

2.  Bullying Tactics: 9 Subtle Moves Bullies Use to Avoid Detection

3. Deliberate Indifference: 7 Reasons Bystanders Won’t Help Victims 

4. Definition of Bullying: Is the Person a Bully or a just an Asshole?

5.  How to Disarm a Bully: 13 Clever Comebacks that Work Wonders

what doesn't work with bullies in school

What Doesn’t Work with Bullies: 10 Reactions to Stop Right Now

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‘Want to know what doesn’t work with bullies? Here are all the responses you need to know that only produce the opposite of what you hope for.

what doesn't work with bullies

Specific responses never work with bullies. And you must know what they are to avoid using them and making yourself an even bigger target.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn what doesn’t work with bullies so you can avoid them more easily and respond more effectively.

Once you learn these vital tips, you will be able to respond to bullying more effectively.

This post is all about what doesn’t work with bullies, so you’ll know how to avoid responding.

What doesn’t work with Bullies

Some responses and reactions work, and some don’t. Some responses will prompt bullies to back off. However, others will only encourage them to continue and even escalate their harassment.

So, what doesn’t work with bullies? Here’s a list of ways to avoid responding at all costs.

1. Ignoring them.

I’m sure you’ve had many people tell you to ignore the bullies when they bully you. This is just another classic, worn-out piece of bad advice.

I got that lousy advice, too. And I learned the hard way – it doesn’t work. Period. Full stop! It never works.

Bullies will only become angry when you ignore them. And they will escalate the bullying. Moreover, they will mistake your ignoring them for fear.

If a bully gets in your face, how do you ignore that? It’s impossible.

You might think that the best way to handle it is to put your hand up and walk around the bully. This isn’t necessarily a bad response.

However, how do you know the bully won’t come after you and attack you from behind? When people tell you to ignore the bully, what they really mean is one or more of three things:

They don’t want to hear about it, don’t want to deal with it, or don’t have any answers themselves.

Therefore, keep calling it out. And keep setting boundaries.

2. What Doesn’t work with Bullies:

Asking them why.

Many victims mistakenly ask their bullies why. And it’s because they haven’t been taught more effective responses.

  • “Why are you doing this to me?”
  • “Why me?”
  • “What did I ever do to you?”

These questions are pointless. Why? Because, by asking these types of questions, you’re only reinforcing your role as a victim.

A bully will never answer those questions. And it’s because they either can’t or won’t answer them. Why would they tell you?

Remember that part of the bully’s power is to keep you confused. And believe me, their silence on it speaks just as loudly as their words. They love to keep you guessing and trying to rack your brain.

That alone is power in and of itself. If bullies can keep you wondering, they can continue the behavior. And they can do it without you catching on that they are the ones with the problem and not you.

Therefore, it’s best to look up articles and books on bullying to get the answers to your questions. You’ll get much better answers from these sources than you ever will from your bullies.

What Doesn’t Work with Bullies:

Why keeping you confused is half their power.

Again, keeping you bewildered is a power all its own. Why? Because when you’re confused, you can’t think clearly. And if you can’t think clearly, you are less likely to figure out what to do about it.

Understand that bullies will never relinquish their power. Never! To tell you why they bully you would be like giving secrets to the enemy. To be honest about what they hate about you would be like giving their power away to you, and they’ll be damned if they ever!

Therefore, I want you to know that there’s nothing wrong with you. You must know in your heart that you never did anything to deserve brutal treatment.

To take back your power, you must realize that they are the mentally impaired ones. They are the ones with the problem, and they are responsible for their behavior.

Instead of focusing your attention on finding out why your bullies are giving you problems, focus on self-care.

Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What can I do to take care of myself?”  Ask “What can I do to remove myself from the situation and the toxic environment?”

Consider your options and weigh each carefully. Then quietly begin making plans to get out of there as soon and as safely as possible.

3. I-Responses.

Instead, respond with a You-Response. For example, tell them, “You chose that behavior, I didn’t.” Or, you can say, “You’re such an asshole.”

Whatever you do, keep your response away from yourself. Always say, “You are the problem,” or “You chose to be a jerk.” Choose any response that points to the bully and not at you.

4. What Doesn’t Work with Bullies:

Begging.

When you beg a bully not to hurt you, it only makes you look weaker. Moreover, when you beg, bullies get a rush of power. Bullies love it when you beg. Therefore, don’t give them the satisfaction.

More importantly, it doesn’t work. It only makes bullies want to harm you more. Why? Because it makes you seem like a loser.

Instead of begging, look the bully in the eye and firmly tell them to back the hell off. And if they don’t, you may have to put up your fists. Begging comes from a position of weakness. So, you must speak from a position of strength.

5. Apologizing.

Apologizing to bullies is a trauma response. So, it isn’t your fault.

Apologizing is appropriate when a situation warrants it. A sincere apology to someone you’ve hurt shows good character and integrity. It brings about healing and reopens communication between you and those you’ve wronged.

But what if the circumstances do not need one? Apologies can backfire when you offer them needlessly to people who don’t deserve them.

You may say “I’m sorry” before you even have time to think. It’s an automatic response. So, when you catch yourself about to say “sorry,” Stop for a moment.

Assess the situation and the person you’re apologizing to.

NEVER apologize to a bully. Bullies will only see it as weakness. Understand that you can never appease a bully.

Giving bullies undeserved apologies makes you take accountability for their deplorable behavior. So, instead of apologizing. Tell them, “You’ll get over it,” and walk away.

In fact, here’s what you do before apologizing to a bully.

What Doesn’t Work With Bullies:

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Doesn’t this warrant an apology?
  • Is this person someone I need to apologize to?
  • Is this my fault?
  • Did I have any control over this?
  • Am I responsible for someone else’s behavior other than my own?

If the answers are no, then save your apology for a person who deserves it and a situation that warrants it.

  • Do these people bully and abuse me?
  • Do they gaslight me when I defend myself or when I assert my needs and wants?
  • Have they yelled at me, insulted me, or ridiculed me when I’m having fun and just being myself?
  • Do they bully me more intensely when I express my own thoughts and opinions?
  • Do they punish me for feeling angry or sad emotions?
  • And, do they ridicule me for asking for help?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you don’t have to apologize. So, don’t!

I can’t stress this enough. When you offer apologies to bullies, you are wandering into people-pleasing territory. Also, your apologies will eventually lose their meaning when used too much for too long.

Moreover, they can weaken you in the eyes of predatory people. You will become the victim of people who wish to take advantage of you for their own selfish and sick pleasure and gain.

Why? Because you’re sorry for simply existing and taking up space.

What Doesn’t work with Bullies:

What you should say instead of apologizing.

If a bully or abuser is trying to force you to apologize for something you know isn’t your fault, is beyond your control, or something that doesn’t need an apology, these are powerful responses.

  • You’ll get over it.
  • You’ll be alright.
  • By the end of the day, this won’t even matter.
  • It’s no big deal.
  • This isn’t a crisis. Everything’s going to be okay.

Therefore, understand that in those circumstances, you are not inconveniencing anyone or being a bother. Realize that your needs are just as important as everyone else’s.

This trauma response comes from a bullied brain. In other words, after people have bullied you for so long, you over-apologize because you’re afraid of being bullied again. But it can only bring more bullying because people will use it against you.

6. Explaining.

Explaining is a trap. Why? Because most things don’t need an explanation. Yet bullies are good at getting their victims to explain things that don’t need explaining.

Worst of all, victims of bullying are unsure how not to get sucked into needlessly explaining themselves. Therefore, they end up wasting their breath on people who aren’t worthy of their time or consideration.

As a result, they end up making themselves even bigger targets and get stuck in endless cycles of having to explain their every move.

This can become exhausting and, not to mention, dis-empowering! Therefore, you must realize that this is just another bullying tactic.

What Doesn’t Work with Bullies:

Why Bullies Bait you into the Explaining Trap.

  • To throw you off-balance
  • To gather ammunition with which to fire back at you later
  • And to get you emotional.

So, how do you respond to this tactic intelligently and with strength? You respond by giving them a dismissive look, then walking away. Sometimes, silence speaks the loudest.

7. Being Nice.

Sweet talk never works with bullies. Too much sugar is never good because it not only eats away at your teeth, but it also eats away at your self-esteem and your life.

In a world full of evil people, being too nice means having no backbone or boundaries. Therefore, bullies will only see your kindness as a sign of being a fool. And don’t think they won’t find ways to exploit it.

With bullies, you must grow a pair and stand up to shabby treatment. It’s the only way you will ever get through to them.

8. A soft “No”.

When you say no to bullies, you must give them a hard no, never a soft one. A soft no is a no that is gentler and includes an explanation (see number six). It has no teeth. Therefore, bullies will only steamroll right over it.

On the other hand, a hard no is a firm, point-blank refusal. It has strength behind it. For instance, you can say, “No,” “Nope!” or “Absolutely not!” Then walk away.

Responses to bullies should always be firm.

9. What Doesn’t Work with Bullies:

Submitting and trying to appease them.

Anytime you submit just to appease them and make them go away, you are rewarding their behavior. In other words, you’re giving them what they want. And, if you give them what they want, what makes you think they won’t come back for more?

You cannot submit your way out of being bullied. And you cannot appease a bully. Moreover, bullies don’t understand politeness or diplomacy; they only understand strength. These are facts you must know right now!

10. Pandering

I’ve seen so many bullied targets- even people who aren’t victims pander- or, in laymen terms, suck up. Bullies can be intimidating, even downright threatening, no doubt.

Anytime someone feels threatened, their first instinct is to do whatever it takes to quell the danger. That, I understand entirely.

But, unless they threaten your life, it isn’t a good idea to pander to bullies. Why? Because it wouldn’t change anything. You only give away more of your power by bowing down and kissing their feet.

As a result, you’ll end up feeling even worse about yourself than you did before.

Pandering is for pansies. So, think for yourself and start standing up to anyone who violates your boundaries. They may bully you harder at first. You may have to fight harder and for longer to assert yourself.

But if you stick to it, they will go away sooner or later. And you’ll feel better about yourself.

What Doesn’t Work with Bullies:

In conclusion

To know how to respond means learning how not to respond. Therefore, avoid these reactions, and you will become bully-proof and live in peace. I promise you.

This post was all about what doesn’t work with bullies so that you can stand strong, make them leave you alone, and preserve your SELF-ESTEEM.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Important Facts About Bullying: 3 Truths You Must Learn

 2. The Explaining Trap: 3 Reasons Bullies Set It and How to Respond

3.  No Apology Necessary: 8 Things You Should Never Apologize For

4. Saying Sorry Too Much: 4 Reasons You Do and How to Stop It

the guilty conscience meaning

The Guilty Conscience: The Top 4 Ways Bullies Act When You Speak Up

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‘Want to know what the guilty conscience does to bullies? Here are all the ways bullies act when you finally speak out.

the guilty conscience

Have you noticed that whenever you speak out against bullying, the guilty parties always come after you and bark the loudest?

In this post, you will learn all about the guilty conscience and all the ways bullies act when you prick at their conscience by speaking out.

Once you learn all about this vital information, you will know what to expect when you expose their behavior. Even better, you will realize where it comes from when your bullies act out.

This post is all about the guilty conscience, so that you will feel less fearful of speaking out against bullying.

The Guilty Conscience

 Maybe you tell your story of the bullying and abuse that you, yourself, suffered in the past and how you’ve since overcome it.

Then, BOOM! Many haters emerge from the woodwork. They latch on and start screaming, cursing, and accusing you of everything under the sun.

Some of your old bullies may call you ugly names and threaten you. Their families and friends may even come for you on the internet. This happened to me after I published FVTV.

However, I knew where the behavior came from, so it did not faze me. If this has happened to you, realize that their behavior only comes from desperation.

Bullies with Guilty Consciences

The guilty dogs always bark the loudest. They will be the ones who get offended and engage in yelling, cursing, and throwing tantrums.

The very ones who’ve bullied and abused you in the past will come out in droves and attack you. See this as a given.

Additionally, you don’t have to call these people out by name to put them on the defensive. Why? Because knowing that you’re speaking out will make them very afraid. In fact, some will panic.

More than anything, it eats at their conscience! You don’t have to expose them necessarily. All you’ve got to do is say anything that pricks at their sense of guilt, and they go bonkers.

The Guilty Conscience:

you may also trigger People who haven’t met you or had anything to do with what happened to you.

You may also trigger strangers who may not know you or have anything to do with what was done to you. What matters is that you delivered a massive blow to their conscience!

Even worse, you made them feel dirty! And that alone drives people up the wall.

Though they may not necessarily have bullied and abused you, they may have done so to someone else. And hearing you talk about your experiences made you a reminder to them.

You caused them to think of the abuse they have inflicted on others in the past. Ouch!

It’s subconscious. They don’t realize it, and probably couldn’t explain it. All they know is that your story is rubbing them the wrong way and causing them a lot of anxiety.

This is the reason they freak out and flip their wigs.

The behavior of a guilty person is scary.

It’s happened to me. I’ve seen it up close. And believe you me, these folks become downright scary! Because when they lose it, their eyes seem to jump out at you. And they snarl when they yell at you. These people really come unglued!

But you must see their behavior for what it is, a sign of buried guilt. Understand that they are only revealing themselves. They’re ripping their own masks off and don’t realize they’re doing it.

Why would someone get so irate and have a complete meltdown if you weren’t stepping on their toes? If they didn’t feel that somehow, some way, you were talking about them, then why would they fly off the handle?

Really think about it. Pastors of churches often experience this phenomenon. During Sunday service, they’ll preach on a certain subject, then a few church members get angry over it and give him a hard time after the service is over.

My point is that if they knew they weren’t guilty of anything, they’d automatically know that the conversation wasn’t about them. Therefore, they wouldn’t care.

Remember that the people who get offended are the guilty ones. You can bet that they have, at some time, bullied you or another innocent person. Anger is revealing.

The Guilty Conscience:

4 Most Common Things Bullies and Abusers Do When You Finally Speak Out About Their Abuse

When you expose your bullies and their abusive behavior, you put them on high alert. You put them in defense mode, and they will do one, some, or all of four things:

1. Lash out at you.

This is, perhaps, the most revealing. Many bullies and abusers will go into a tirade. They’ll scream and yell at you. Also, they’ll curse you out and call you the ugliest names- everything but a child of God.

I know it’s difficult, but don’t panic and don’t be afraid. See it for what it is- you just forced them to reveal their true colors.

Why? Because when your former bullies become enraged and attack you, that’s when you know you’ve busted them. Or, more appropriately, you’ve forced them to bust themselves! So, yay for you!

Remember the warplane analogy. When a warplane is right over the target, that’s when they get the most flack. It’s the same when you call out bullying. The guilty people will attack you the worst.

2. Deny their abuse, and sometimes to your face.

Lots of times, bullies and abusers may confront you either calmly or aggressively. They will claim they never bullied or mistreated you.

Also, they may even make subtle hints that you must have “everything misconstrued.” Again, no matter how calmly or subtly they do it, this is a form of gaslighting. And it reveals a great deal about their character.

3. The Guilty Conscience:

Defame you.

The day you see their bullying and abuse for what it is is the day bullies lose control over you. If these people can no longer control you, they will control your image in the eyes of others.

They will tell everyone who will listen what a lowdown piece of garbage you are. They will spread lies and rumors. And they will project their behavior.

But, as difficult as it may be, don’t let it faze you. Realize that they’re panicking. Your bullies are in a mad rush to do some damage control.

Most of the time, your former bullies and abusers will tell others that you’re “cray-cray.” They’ll make it seem that you’re having some mental episode.

Again, they’re only revealing their true colors. Why? Because if you weren’t telling the truth, they wouldn’t care. Therefore, they wouldn’t react so desperately.

So, always see this as an admission of guilt. And realize that they fear that word about their true nature might get around and cause them to lose face.

4. Avoid you.

These types won’t bother you. Instead, they’ll avoid you like the plague because they’re scared. Understand that this is the best outcome.

Why? Because if they avoid you, you don’t have to worry about them bullying you again. They know they’ve been found out and that word of their abuse is already circulating.

So, the last thing they want to do is anything that even has a slight possibility of making them look guilty. They fear their reputations are already on shaky ground.

These people are cowards, that much is true. However, they’re making the most brilliant move by simply staying away from you. In fact, they won’t even mention your name.

The Guilty Conscience:

You must still watch out for even those who avoid you.

Be advised that not all people who avoid you will stay away from you for long. They may stay away long enough for things to cool off.

Moreover, they just might be secretly plotting revenge against you for daring to open your mouth. Different bullies and abusers react in various ways.

You must realize that bullies and abusers, even those who are formerly so, count on your silence. And they detest, or more appropriately, fear being exposed.

Exposure is the worst thing that could happen to them. Why? Because it places them at risk of losing respect in the community. And there’s a possibility that others will see them for the monsters they are.

Bullies have an image to maintain.

Bullies make everything about appearances. And when you will back the curtain, you make liars and hypocrites out of them. So, naturally, they’re going to either attack you, avoid you, or both. They may make statements such as:

  • “Well, we were just kids then.”
  • “But that’s all water under the bridge.”
  • “Just let bygones be bygones.”
  • ”Just let sleeping dogs lie.”

They may tell you to “get over it.” Also, your bullies may accuse you of bringing up old stuff. Understand that any time people make these statements, their goal is to shut you up.

The Guilty Conscience:

Other Goals Your Bullies may have

  • To minimize their past brutality and the impact it all had on you
  • To make you look like a whiner who just can’t “let the past go.”
  • To cover their backsides and minimize any dents to their reputations.
  • To minimize any backlash they might receive.

Again, don’t be afraid. Instead, see it as they’re unwittingly revealing themselves and let them do it. Let them launch their personal attacks.

In Closing

Before I close, I’d like to make another huge point:

When you speak out about your bullies and their abuse, you force them to explain themselves. Anyone who must explain and justify themselves or their behavior is never in a powerful position.

By forcing your bullies to explain themselves, you automatically turn the tables and leave the bullies in a vulnerable and subordinate position.

In forcing the bully to explain their past or present behavior, you instantly strip away their power. Why? Because power never explains itself. It doesn’t have to.

By speaking out, you put your bullies in a weakened and subordinate position.

Therefore, don’t allow them to silence you. Keep speaking out, no matter what they do. Because when you continue to tell your story, you keep them on the defensive. Therefore, they will only continue to out themselves.

This post is all about the guilty conscience so that you can prepare yourself for your bullies’ reactions and know what’s behind them.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Speaking Out Against Bullying: 5 Ways Bullies React When You Speak Up

2. Speaking Up About Bullying: Be Prepared for These 8 Responses

3.  Confronting Bullying: 4 Things Bullies Do When You Speak Out

4. 5 Things to Never Do with a Bully

5. You Don’t Have to Explain Yourself: 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t

definition of bullying at work

Definition of Bullying: Is the Person a Bully or a just an Asshole?

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‘Want to know the definition of bullying. Here’s how to find out if the person mistreating you is a bully or just your common, everyday asshole.

definition of bullying

Sometimes we use the term bullying in situations it doesn’t belong in. Some people are jerks. However, it doesn’t mean they’re bullies.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn the definition of bullying so that you will learn the difference between a bully and a jerk.

Once you understand these crucial differences, you will be able to recognize bullying when it occurs and address it effectively.

This post is all about defining bullying so that you can distinguish between bullying and douchebaggery.

Definition of bullying

To distinguish between bullying and everyday incivility, it is essential to understand the definition of bullying. Therefore, here’s a definition provided by the Anti-Bullying Alliance.

“The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.”

An altercation must have these four elements before we can call it a bullying incident.

4 Elements of Bullying

There are four elements of bullying. Here they are.

1. Imbalance of power.

Physical Strength

In cases of bullying, the bully often has more power than the victim. If you’re a victim of bullying, the power your bully has over you can be physical strength. Therefore, they use it to instill fear in you and exert control over your life.

Social Status

A bully’s power can also be their social status. For example, a popular bullies may weaponize their popularity. They may use it exclude you or to ruin your reputation and reduce your place in the social hierarchy.

The reason they do this is because they know that because they’re so popular, others will listen to them. Their social status automatically gives them credibility. Therefore, they many spread vicious lies about you.

Why? Because they know that others outside the bullying dynamic will take their word over yours. As a result, they can succeed in destroying your good name.

Definition of Bullying:

Psychological strength

The most seasoned bullies may also have more psychological power. You might tell them off when they try to abuse you. However, your comebacks may have little to no effect on them.

The reason these bullies have nerves of steel is that they have learned to shut off their emotions. Bullies with NPD have no empathy at all, and they rarely show emotion. Therefore, it will be challenging to shame or hurt their feelings. They may hurt inside if you deal them a good comeback, but they’ll hide it. However, most victims aren’t as good at concealing their emotions.

2. Repetition.

Bullying is a repeated behavior that becomes a pattern. Remember that bullying is a form of brainwashing. Therefore, it’s why bullies repeat the same narratives and attacks over and over again.

If you are a target of bullying, you will notice that you hear the same narratives day in and day out. Moreover, your bullies will use the same tactics on you time and time again.

It will be as if your bullies are following an internal script, using the broken record technique.

3. Deliberate Intent to harm.

Another element of bullying is the deliberate intent to harm. The harm can be physical, psychological, emotional, or social. Bullies have a strong desire to hurt and to inflict pain, and for several reasons, depending on the person.

Some bullies inflict harm on their victims as a form of revenge. Perhaps your bully retaliates because you reported them. Some bullies bully out of jealousy. Others may bully you because they secretly enjoy seeing you suffer.

4. Definition of Bullying:

Same Victim

Bullying usually targets the same person repeatedly. Remember that bullying always needs a target. Without the victim, bullying doesn’t exist.

However, bullies won’t choose just any victim. They select the easiest target. Therefore, they will pick the person who easily gets emotional or the individual who is least liked by others.

Bullies may also pick those who are small in size and stature or those with disabilities. Nevertheless, whoever they choose will have some weakness that can be exploited.

Is it bullying or is the person being an asshole?

Because people use the term “bullying” so much, they throw the word around willy-nilly. As a result, they use it in situations that don’t fit its use. What do I mean by this? You may wonder.

What I mean is that many are too quick to stick the “bully” label on anyone who says anything they don’t like. There’s so much confusion about bullying. And people may mistake rudeness for it. They may wrongfully label someone who’s only being a jerk, or voicing an unfavorable opinion.

Therefore, we must define bullying. We also need to clarify what constitutes bullying and what does not. Only then will we be able to distinguish between a bully and an every day douche bag.

The Definition of bullying

Bullying – an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical, and/or social behavior that intends to cause physical, social, and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening (https://www.ncab.org.au/bullying-advice/bullying-for-parents/definition-of-bullying/)

Not All Bad Behavior IS bullying.

Not all bad behavior is bullying. For example, simple statements that make you uncomfortable are not considered bullying. Here is a list of situations that do not constitute bullying.

  • Disagreements and truthful debates
  • Misunderstandings
  • Stubbornness
  • Incivility and jerky behavior
  • Unfavorable opinions.

Bullying has become a blanket term to describe anyone who is an asshole. Assholes are those who are rude, obnoxious, and opinionated. People are quick to label uncivil jerks and jackasses as bullies. In fact, they call anyone who says, does, or believes anything they disapprove of a bully. This is wrong.

Definition of bullying:

Examples

Suppose a 6’5” tall, muscular knucklehead bumps into you on the street. He says, “Hey, idiot! Watch where the hell you’re going!”, then keeps walking. Afterwards, you never see the guy again. That’s not bullying.

Is the person an asshole? Absolutely. But he isn’t necessarily a bully.

But what if he deliberately runs into you and shoots his mouth off every time he sees you on the street? What if he made a habit of it by continuing to harass you?

In that case, yes, you could call him a bully. Why? Because he would use his size and height to intimidate you. He’d also repeat the behavior every day. Moreover, he would treat everyone else with respect and dignity while singling you out for abuse. Therefore, all these behaviors point to bullying.

Unfavorable opinions.

For instance, a person is voicing an opinion. When someone asks them what they think of their new next-door neighbor, the person answers. They say, “I think he is an arrogant, egotistical jackass.”

The person is voicing an unfavorable opinion, yes. However, he still isn’t bullying the new neighbor.

But what if the person continues this behavior for a week, a month, or longer? What if he smears the new neighbor to everyone in the neighborhood in an attempt to turn everyone against him? Then, yes, they would be bullying the neighbor.

Definition of Bullying:

Debates.

If two people are arguing over different beliefs, it’s not bullying even if the argument is heated. Only when one of the arguers resorts to repeatedly calling their opponent names does it turn into bullying. Name-calling is meant to shame someone because they don’t share their beliefs. And the name-calling must go on for a long time, against the same opponent.

To prevent innocent people from being labeled as bullies, we must know what constitutes bullying and what does not. Only then will we be able to apply it to those who genuinely deserve the label.

Bully or Asshole?

Everyone deals with assholes, but not everyone gets bullied. Jerks and disrespect are a regular part of life. Bullying, on the other hand, is not. A jerk’s behavior is hurtful and harmful. Sure. But a bully’s behavior is not only hateful and negative, it’s abusive and repeated.

When is hurtful behavior classified as bullying? How do we distinguish between bullying and disrespect? What is the difference between a jerk and a bully?

When a person is “just being a jerk,” their bad attitude is random, sporadic, and directed at anyone at any time.

On the other hand, when an individual is a bully, their behavior tends to be a pattern. In other words, the ill-treatment becomes a habit and is directed towards one person in particular- you.

Bullying requires a target! It is systematic, deliberate, vicious, and always escalates over time. Bullying involves smear campaigns, witch hunts, and is relentless. Bullying seeks to destroy. It is a campaign with a goal. Therefore, bullying is well-organized.

A jerk is afraid you might want something from him. On the other hand, a bully wants something from you.

This post is all about the definition of bullying so that you can distinguish the Behaviors of Bullies and uncivil Jerks.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Incivility vs Bullying

2.  What Constitutes Bullying and What Doesn’t

haters gonna hate

Haters: 13 Tactics They Use to Bring You Down

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Haters gonna hate. ‘Want to know the tactics they use to bring you down? Here are all the maneuvers you need to know.

haters

Haters can make life difficult. But what if I told you that having them was a good thing?

In this post, you will learn all about haters and the tactics they use to bring you down.

Once you learn all about these confidence-building details, you will be able to remain calm and cool because it will be easier not to let them faze you.

This post is all about haters, why they’re a great thing to have, and the tactics they use to bring you down so that you can feel good about having them.

Haters

So, what is a hater? Here are two definitions from dictionary.com.

“1. a person who has an intense dislike for another person or thing (often used in combination).”

“2. Informal.  A person who thrives on showing hate toward, criticizing, or belittling other people or things, usually unfairly.”

Anyone can have haters. Even celebrities have them. Therefore, if you feel down because you have them, don’t.

Instead, feel good about it because you must have a lot of power if you can upset someone without provoking them. Your presence alone can rile some people. That’s power!

However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to watch your back. Here are all the tactics they will use to bring you down and how you can turn the tables on them.

Why DO PEOPLE HATE YOU?

There are many reasons why some people hate. And they don’t need a good reason to do it. I’ve learned from experience that jealousy drives most haters.

For instance, you may have a personality trait that they only wish they had. Maybe you are outgoing, and people like you because of your confidence. It could be that you are brilliant and you excel in school.

Maybe you’re successful on the job. Or you’re attractive. And perhaps you have talents and gifts others wish they had.

Again, when you’re good at anything, you will likely attract haters who will be itching to take you down a peg or two.

So, what tactics do these people use?

1. Haters:

Watch you and give you dirty looks

People who hate you will watch you closely. Why? Because they are waiting for you to fail at something. And when you do, they want to see it, then boast about it later.

These kinds of bullies are tired of seeing you succeed. They wait, with bated breath, for your downfall. So, they watch you like a spy watches a foreign operative.

They may also give you dirty looks. But it’s not because there’s anything wrong with you. And it’s not because you’ve done anything wrong. The reason they glare at you so hard is to intimidate you.

How you stand up to this is to mirror the same expression back at them. In other words, return the dirty look. Let them know that they can’t scare you and that you won’t tolerate their behavior.

2. Copy you

Some of them will copy you. They may imitate your clothing style, the way you speak, and the way you act. However, understand that they’re only showing you and others who they are – a bunch of posers.

I understand that this may get on your nerves. However, don’t let it get you out of sorts.

Instead, laugh at them. And feel good about it. Why? Because any time someone wants to be like you, it only means they admire you, albeit weirdly.

3. Haters Gonna Hate:

Talk about you behind your back

These idiots will stab you in the back every chance they get. They don’t have the guts to tell you anything to your face. So, they must talk about you to others. And you will be the last to know.

However, don’t let it get to you. And don’t allow it to confuse or bewilder you. Understand that anyone who does this to you unprovoked is usually doing it out of jealousy.

Only they will never tell you. Because to admit that they’re jealous of you would be to realize that they feel inferior to you. And no way will they ever!

4. Launch smear campaigns

These bullies will launch smear campaigns to turn others against you and ruin your reputation. If this happens to you, a few people may indeed turn on you.

However, think of it this way. The people who turn their backs on you were never your friends to begin with. So, see this as your haters weeding out the trash for you.

They’re only saving you the trouble of finding out the hard way and doing it yourself.

5. Provoke arguments with you

When others try to start arguments with you, they’re itching for a fight. And it may bewilder you, especially if you haven’t done anything to them.

You must understand the reason they do this. Many bullies will do this to try to drag you down to their level. Therefore, stay above it.

How you stay above the pettiness is not to react, but respond. And do it in as few words as possible. For example, you can say, “I’m not having this conversation with you.” Then, walk away.

By doing this, you will make them look weak and yourself look strong.

6. Haters:

try to sabotage your progress

Bullies at work may try to sabotage you when they see that you’re a competent employee. The reason they do this is to make you look bad to your bosses and coworkers.

Workplace bullies may also point out any tiny mistake you make. Again, this is all designed to undermine your work and make you look like you don’t know what you’re doing.

How you stand up to this is to call out their jealousy professionally. For example, you could say, “Listen, (bully’s name). No one is trying to compete with you. So, there’s no need for you to act this way. It’s not very professional.”

When you say this, you diplomatically call them out. And you make them look guilty to others.

7. try to block you from reaching success

This mainly happens in the workplace. For instance, you may be a candidate for a promotion. A meeting is scheduled for the next morning. And your bully may tell you that the meeting is at nine o’clock when it starts at eight-thirty.

And when you arrive, thirty minutes late, management may question your eligibility for the promotion.

Therefore, always get the answers to any questions you have from those you can trust. Also, read any memos.

8. Haters Gonna Hate:

try to embarrass and humiliate you

People who don’t wish you well may try to set you up for humiliation and embarrassment. In extreme cases, they may take compromising photos of you.

Maybe they sneak into the bathroom with their phone and take snapshots of you using the bathroom. Or perhaps they try to trip you as you’re walking into a meeting.

Therefore, watch your back. And if you know who your haters are, stay far away from them.

9. try to undermine any successes you’ve had

Bullies will try to downplay any accomplishments you’ve made. For instance, someone brags on you for a success you’ve reached. And your bullies say, “Oh, shit! Anybody could’ve done that.”

The best you can do is let them say it. Why? Because they’re showing others the kinds of people they are. Remember that haters gonna hate. So, why not let them continue to expose themselves?

10. try to one-up you

For example, one of your high school buddies brags to others about your ability to get a date. And he tells them that you seem to attract them with ease.

Then, your bully pipes in and begins bragging that he’s scored with x number of girls – more girls than you.

How you stay above this is to smile and let him brag. Because he’s only making himself look like a jackass and everyone else knows it. So, why not let the chump shoot himself in the foot?

You should always use your haters as your motivation to reach your goals.

11. Haters:

Act superior to you

Most haters hate you because they feel inferior to you. Anyone who feels inferior may try to cover it up by acting superior.

Therefore, you can stand up to them by gently calling them out. For instance, you can say, “I’m sorry you feel so inferior that you have to act this way.”

By saying this, you call out their behavior and expose their innermost feelings that they don’t meet expectations. Ouch!

And if you do it in public, that’s even better.

12. Pretend to be friends with you

Many bullies will act like friends to get close enough to you to harm you. You must watch out for these kinds of people because they’re slick!

They have ways of chumming up to you without you knowing their intentions. And you won’t see it coming until it’s too late.

Look for them to ask you personal questions. Also, they may say and do things to get you to confide in them. Therefore, if you make a new friend, don’t reveal anything to them that you wouldn’t want anyone else to know.

You won’t know you can trust them until you’ve been friends for a long time. Also, you can conduct a little test.

Tell them something that you couldn’t care less if anyone knows. Then tell them to keep it secret. Let the person be the only one you tell.  If it gets out, then you know they shared it.

And you know that you can’t trust them.

13. Haters Gonna Hate:

Infiltrate your friend group

Some people who hate you may try to get on good terms with your friends. However, know the reason they do. It’s to cause division and put you on your friends’ bad side.

Therefore, be watchful anytime someone who has treated you wrong in the past suddenly ingratiates themselves into your group. And question them in front of your friends.

In Conclusion:

When you have haters, they have a sick obsession with you, your comings and goings, and what you say and do. Therefore, their viciousness says everything about them and nothing about you.

They will discourage you if you let them. However, know that haters admire you. Only they want what you have for themselves. So, they hate you because you have things they wish they had but don’t think they could ever have.

Their hatred only hurts them, not you. Therefore, feel good about it because there are good reasons you have them. Let it boost your confidence. But, at the same time, watch your back. And know the tactics they may use against you so that you know how to deal with them.

Remember! Haters gonna hate! So, let them hate! And use them as your motivation to reach your goals and dreams.

This post was all about haters so that instead of letting them make you feel bad, you can use them as your motivation to succeed.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. 5 Reasons You Have Haters

2. How to Deal with Haters and Why Having Them is Good

3. When Others Tell You You Can’t: 8 Reasons They Discourage You 

When Bystanders Become Bullies: 11 Behaviors of Bully-Supporters

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‘Want to know all the behaviors you’ll see when bystanders become bullies? Here’s how bystanders will behave when they agree with and support the person who is bullying you.

when bystanders become bullies

Sadly, in most cases of bullying, bystanders only make it worse. Therefore, in this post, you will learn what happens when bystanders become bullies and all the behaviors of those who support bullying.

Once you learn all about these signs, you will be able to take the best course of action to protect yourself and decide whether it’s better to leave the environment altogether.

This post is all about what happens when bystanders become bullies, so that you can take steps to ensure your safety.

When Bystanders become Bullies

Any time bystanders join your bullies in tormenting you, it can be especially devastating because you have no one to help you. Moreover, it can escalate to group-bullying, and group behavior can get dangerous very quickly.

So, what are all the signs that bystanders support bullying?

1. Laughing and Giggling

When you’re being bullied in front of an audience, you hear laughing and giggling in the background; the bystanders think it’s funny.

However, it isn’t so funny to you. And they wouldn’t think so either, if they were the ones being bullied in public.

When bystanders laugh and giggle, it means they’re getting their kicks at your expense.

2. Ignoring it and Doing Nothing.

When bystanders ignore bullying and do nothing, they become just as bad as the bullies. There are many reasons bystanders don’t do anything about bullying. Maybe they’re scared of becoming the next target.

It could be that they don’t like you and that they think you deserve to be bullied. Also, the bullies could be their proxies. In other words, your bullies are doing what they wish they had the balls to do.

3. When Bystanders Become Bullies:

Whispering and Gossiping About The Bullying Incidents.

If the bystanders can’t stand you, they’ll love it when your bullies attack you. And they’ll talk about it too. Therefore, they will whisper and gossip about the bullying incident to everyone who will listen.

They will say things like, “Katie got her ass kicked in the bathroom yesterday! I mean, she got her shit rocked!”

Here are other statements bystanders who hate you might make after bullies publicly attack you.

“Charles finally got what was coming to him this morning! And it was glorious!”

“You should have seen it! Samantha and Janessa jumped Pam on Tuesday in the hall! They knocked her down, then they started kicking her while she was down on the floor!”

“I don’t feel sorry for the bitch! She got what she deserved, and I hope she gets more of it!”

“April said she’s going to kick Carla’s ass, and I hope I’m around to see it go down!”

Several bystanders may come to you and tell you that your bully is gunning for you. Here’s what they may say to you.

“You’ve got several people who are looking for you, and when they find you, they’re going to kick your butt.”

“You’d better hope Sheila doesn’t run into you because she’s got a bone to pick with you.”

Make no mistake! When bystanders come and tell you these things, they’re not doing it out of concern. They’re doing it to intimidate you and instill in you a sense of dread.

4. When Bystanders Become Bullies:

Staring and Pointing.

When your bullies are in your face and there are people around to see it, those people may point and stare because they’re getting entertainment from seeing your bullies attack you.

And they won’t stop gawking until the fight is over. Then they will run and tell everyone how your bullies punked you out. Some might even embellish on the story to make it bigger and to make you look weaker.

But realize that they’re doing it because they want a story to tell all their friends.

5. Playing the Messenger between the Bully and Victim.

Many bystanders might run to you and bait you into saying something bad about your bullies. If you take the bait, they will then report back to your bullies with everything you told them. Also, they may embellish and add to what you said to make it worse.

They may then come back to you with how your bullies responded to get you to divulge more. And they will do this several times over.

If nothing else, know this! The reason these people play messenger is that they are itching to see a fight. Therefore, they try to stir it up. So, see their behavior for what it is.

They’re trying to get a fight started so they can watch, then go brag about it later. You should have nothing to do with these people.

The next time someone comes to you and tries to trick you into saying something about your bullies, ask them, “What’s it to you?” Then, tell them to get lost.

6. When Bystanders Become Bullies:

Hopping on the Bandwagon and joining in.

When your bullies get in your face, many bystanders will join them in tormenting you. When the bullies accuse you of something, the bystanders might tell the bully that they saw you do it or heard you say it.

Or they may follow the bullies’ lead when they call you names and insult you. They may call you ugly names too.

Again, these bystanders are no better than you bullies are. In fact, they’re worse. Why? Because they don’t have the guts to confront you unless your bullies do it first. All they are is a bunch of flying monkeys.

And you know what usually happens to flying monkeys. Right? Once they do what the bullies want them to do, the bullies have no use for them anymore. Then, the bullies discard them like yesterday’s garbage.

7. Keeping the Rumor Mill Going about the Target Victim.

If your bullies have started a smear campaign against you, they start a rumor about you to ruin your reputation. The bystanders will then pick it up and keep it going.

And they may change the story around during the process and make it bigger. Therefore, you must see these people for who they are. They’re a bunch of followers and wannabes.

8. When Bystanders Become Bullies:

Liking or Agreeing with Mean Social Media Posts.

If you’re being cyber-bullied, bystanders will often like any mean social media posts. If your bullies make vicious comments about you, they may like those too.

Anytime someone hits the like button on a mean post, it only means they agree with your bullies. Therefore, if these people are on your friend or follower list, you must delete and block them immediately.

Because they’re not on your list to be your friend. They’re there to spy on you.

9. Inciting More Bullying Between the Bully and THE Target Victim.

Sadly, many bystanders get their kicks out of seeing bullies torture and torment you. Therefore, they will egg it on to keep it percolating. Another name for this is incitement.

When bystanders try to keep the fires burning, you often hear the people around you cheer as your bully is telling you off or beating the crap out of you.

For instance, when your bully gets in your face, you might hear people in the background shouting and jeering. They may say things like, “Hit her! Just hit her!” Or you might hear them say, “Get him, Johnny!” or “Yeah! Set her ass straight!”

Understand where this behavior comes from. They like seeing you get pummeled by the bullies. Moreover, these bystanders are too chicken to do it themselves. Your bullies serve as proxies to them.

Therefore, you must stand up to bullies and show them and their supporters that you won’t take their abuse lying down.

10. When Bystanders Become Bullies:

Getting pissed off at you for defending yourself.

Here’s an example. Your bullies approach you in the parking lot and try to provoke you. In fact, they’ve been giving you hell for a long time now, and you’re sick of it.

When one of your bullies hits you first, that’s the last straw. You immediately sock him in the nose, then commence to beating the mess out of him in front of everyone.

All of a sudden, everyone is outraged, not at the bully who started it, but at you for defending yourself. But where was their outrage when they were starting shit with you?

Again, see these bystanders for who they are – a bunch of agitators! And tell them all to take a long walk off a short pier!

11. Retaliating against you for defending yourself.

For instance, you may beat the crap out of one bully, then the bystanders may set you up to be attacked by a bigger bully. They may lie to the bigger bully, telling them that you are trying to get with his girl. Or they may tell them that you said something bad about him.

Whatever they do, they do it because they hate you for sweeping the floor with their hero – the bully they looked up to. Therefore, they’re going to pay you back by getting a bigger bully to attack you. Why? To increase the odds that you might get your butt kicked.

Again, have nothing to do with these bystanders because they’re a bunch of weak little cowards who can’t fight their own battles. So, they must get someone else to do their violence for them.

When Bystanders Become Bullies:

In Conclusion

Sadly, most bystanders are cowards. Chances are that they will not help you if you’re a target of bullying. They will only blame you because they hate you as much as your bullies do. But they don’t have the guts to attack you themselves.

The only way they can attack you is to do it subtly or join in with your bullies. So, see these people for who they are – a bunch of pathetic losers who are scared that they might be next. As long as you look at them this way, you keep your confidence up.

This post was all about the signs you see when bystanders become bullies, so that you will know when it’s time to change schools or begin looking for employment elsewhere.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Deliberate Indifference: 7 Reasons Bystanders Won’t Help Victims

2. Stop Victim Blaming: 8 Reasons People Blame Targets for Bullying

3. Examples of Subtle Bullying: 6 Powerful Ways to Read Between the Lines

4. Guilt by Association Fallacy: How It Brings About Bullying

Flattery vs Compliment: 7 Signs Bullies are Buttering You Up

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‘Want to know the difference of flattery vs compliment? Here are all the differences you need to know about.

flattery vs compliment

Compliments are great. But only if they come from the heart.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn how to differentiate flattery vs compliment so that you know when to say thank you and when someone is just trying to butter you up.

Once you learn all about these crucial details, you will be able to spot a fake compliment when you hear one.

This post is all about the differences between flattery vs compliment and how you should respond to each.

Flattery vs compliment

Targets of bullying must know the difference between the two. And, surprisingly, many people think that compliments and flattery are one and the same. They aren’t.

A compliment is genuine. Whereas flattery is fake.

A compliment comes from the heart and is truthful. Also, compliments are earned. They’re reserved for people who deserve them. Compliments are given to praise someone for an accomplishment. They are an acknowledgement for a good deed or a job well done.

Flattery, on the other hand, is used for self-servitude. It is insincere, deceptive, and can be an insult to the recipient. Because, again, it is strictly used for selfish purposes. Flattery and insincere compliments are both the same.

Therefore, bullies never pay sincere compliments, especially to their victims. However, they will use flattery to butter them up to manipulate and exploit them. Bullies may also use flattery as a form of subtle sarcasm.

And if the target happens to be gullible, he may confuse it for genuine compliments. Bullies will then watch the victim’s face light up with over-excitement, then laugh later.

Remember that many targets of bullying are often thirsty for any sign of approval and praise because they don’t get enough of it, if they get any at all. Therefore, anything that even looks like approval, they’ll be excited to receive, even overly so.

So, what are the differences between flattery and compliments?

Flattery vs Compliment:

Your Relationship with the person giving it

Simple. You can tell by the kind of relationship you have with the person complimenting you. In other words, if the person complimenting you is a bully who normally mistreats you, then you can be sure that it’s flattery. And the compliment is fake, phony, and false.

I can’t stress this enough. Never take seriously any “compliment” you receive from a bully. When a bully is suddenly nice to you and gives compliments, it is likely an attempt to manipulate you.

A bully who compliments you is only flattering you. They are looking for an eventual payoff, be it psychological or otherwise.

In contrast, if the person is a true friend or family member who loves you and has never intentionally harmed you, you know that the compliment is for real. Even if the praise comes from a total stranger, it would be more acceptable than if it came from a bully.

Still, even with strangers, you should be gracious but cautious because they haven’t established a relationship with you yet. A simple thank you will do in this situation.

Make Sure Your Own Compliments are Sincere.

Just the same, if you are the one making the compliment, make sure the person you compliment is a close friend or family member. In other words, make sure that person damn well deserves it from you and that they’ve done something that warrants it.

Understand that most people know their strengths and weaknesses. And if you give them a false accolade on something they know they aren’t good at, they will see that you’re lying to them. Also, they will wonder what ulterior motives you have in giving them such a fake compliment.

And last and most importantly, never compliment a bully! Ever!

Flattery vs Compliment:

Here’s why:

  1. Bullies get their behinds kissed all the time, and it’s exactly how they’ll perceive it.
  2. You will be giving the bully a juicy opportunity to turn it against you and steamroll you with it.
  3. Bullies are the last people who deserve praise. Never give anyone anything they haven’t earned.

Trust me, bullies, especially the arrogant and puffed-up type, get their boots licked enough.

They get false compliments and fake sympathy from their sycophants daily. How do you think they got so sickeningly full of themselves? Again, compliments should only be handed out to people who deserve them.

I learned this the hard way when I was sixteen and a sophomore in high school.

I remember seeing a girl in the cafeteria at lunch, and she was wearing a lovely dress. Naturally, I told her that it was a beautiful dress and that I liked it. And I meant it from the bottom of my heart when I said it.

However, it only fueled her arrogance. She only sneered at me and said,

“I know. So what? Nobody likes you, and you think kissing up changes things?”

You can imagine how heartbroken and humiliated I was because she said that aloud, in front of an audience. I vowed that, from that moment on, I would give compliments only to those I trusted.

Few things uplift a person like a sincere compliment, which comes from the heart. However, a bully will only wipe their butts with it, then throw it back at you.

Flattery vs Compliment:

They may accept anyone else’s compliment. But if it comes for you, your bullies will only see it as ass-kissing.

Realize that a bully will only see it as confirmation that they are better than you. A bully will also think that you’re only trying to suck up to them to get them off your back.

A compliment to a bully is nothing more than an ego boost. And why not? Again, bullies are used to having most other classmates or coworkers bow down before them.

Moreover, it’s an opportunity for them to rake your dignity over the coals.

Instead, be the one who gives these life-suckers and happiness thieves a healthy dose of the real world. Be indifferent toward them- like you just don’t give a crap about them.

They may get angry because they may think people owe them allegiance, but you won’t give them the wrong impression. And, most importantly, you’ll walk away with your self-respect intact.

Follow these three rules, and I promise you that your value will increase significantly. It may not seem so, but it will.

So, how can you tell when your bullies are trying to butter you up to get something from you? Here’s what to look for.

1. A Sudden Chance of Heart.

Anytime your bullies have a sudden change of heart, your antennae should automatically go up! Nobody becomes a friend overnight. Friendship takes time because trust takes time to build.

Therefore, just as you shouldn’t rush into a romantic relationship, neither should you rush into a friendship. If someone who is usually brutal toward you suddenly begins treating you warmly, watch out!

Bullies will often begin sweet-talking you when they want something from you. So, look for them to ask you for something once they’ve buttered you up enough.

2. Flattery vs Compliment:

Excessive Sweet-Talk

You must understand that bullies have a higher understanding of human nature than most. They instinctively know that after they’ve bullied you over a certain amount of time and turned enough people against you, you’ll likely be hungry for any morsel of kindness.

People can sense when you’re vulnerable. And they will take full advantage!

You’ll know that something is off because your bullies will overdo the pleasantries. They’ll use excessive flattery. And, man! Do they lay it on thick!

Therefore, if they’re so sickeningly sweet that you swear you’re getting a mouthful of cavities just listening to them, that’s your cue to find the door.

3. fake smiles

A genuine smile is when a person smiles with their eyes and their mouth. You’ll see their eyes light up and crinkles develop around their eyes. On the other hand, if someone smiles only with their mouth, it’s time to end the conversation and excuse yourself.

4. Micro-flashes

If you pay close attention to body language and facial expressions, you’ll notice those tiny, split-second flashes of contempt on their faces. Moreover, you’ll notice them when your bullies think you aren’t looking or paying attention.

Therefore, don’t ignore those. Bid them goodbye and politely leave.

5. Flattery vs Compliment

Giggling or smirking among themselves after you turn and walk away

They’ll look at you until you turn your back. Once you walk away, they’ll give each other knowing glances. Or, they may look at each other and give a wink, a nod, or both.

Also, you may hear giggling and snickering as you walk away. These are a dead giveaway! Therefore, give these idiots the boot!

6. They will get furious when you politely decline any invitations or requests.

Again! Steer clear. It only goes to show that they don’t respect you as a person with boundaries and human rights!

Also, it’s a sign that in their invitations or requests, they more than likely had plans for you that you don’t know about. Maybe they invited you to dinner or a party as a way to lure you to a possible set-up for something humiliating or dangerous?

You never know. And if you don’t know, don’t go!

7. Your Gut will warn you!

When it comes to bullies, always be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. Therefore, if your bullies shower you with flattery, you’ll notice that something doesn’t feel right.

This is your first clue. Your gut will always warn you when there’s danger around. So, listen to it.

Flattery vs Compliment:

In Conclusion:

Any time bullies want something from you, the first thing they do is have a sudden change of heart and pour on the flattery. Therefore, always look at how they’ve treated you in the past. Because past behavior always predicts future behavior.

You’re a target, but you don’t have to be a victim.

This post was all about the differences in flattery vs compliment so that you will see the difference and protect yourself from insincere people.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Why is My Bully Being Nice to Me? Here are 5 Reasons to Beware!

2. Target vs Victim: 5 Reasons Your Choice of Words Matters

3. Character vs Reputation: 4 Tactics Bullies Use to Smear You  

things bullies hate most

Things Bullies Hate: 9 Things That Drive Them Up the Wall

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‘Want to know about all the things bullies hate? Here are the most common things they despise.

things bullies hate

There are things bullies hate, and if you know what they are, you can use them to gain an advantage.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn all about the most common things bullies hate so that you can weaponize them to defend yourself.

Once you learn all about this critical information, you will be better able to protect yourself the next time they come for you.

This post is all about the things bullies hate most, so that you can gain the advantage you need to ensure your safety.

Things Bullies Hate

Bullies have images to keep up. Therefore, they hate anything that pokes holes in their image. And they hate anyone who sees behind the facades. So, what are the things that might threaten their images of perfection?

1. Constructive Criticism

Bullies don’t take constructive criticism very well. They only react to it as if it is a personal attack. Constructive criticism is designed to help you, not harm you. However, bullies don’t see it that way.

Constructive criticism makes you better. In contrast, destructive criticism tears you down. Let’s give an example of constructive and destructive criticism.

Constructive:

“What you did was foolish.”

Destructive:

“You’re foolish.”

Constructive criticism attacks the deed. Destructive criticism attacks the person. However, bullies can’t tell the difference because they’re too wrapped up in themselves to notice.

Remember that bullies are highly egocentric. They must always be right about everything. Or, more appropriately, look as if they’re right about everything. Bullies have a knack for hiding beneath a veneer of total perfection.

They do this for several reasons.

  1. It makes them look better than they really are.
  2. The veneer of perfection can be used as protection from accountability and shield them from reproach.
  3. It can be used to draw others to them and fool them.
  4. It can be used as a weapon against their targets.
  5. It gives them status and social capital.
  6. It gives them the attention and admiration they seek.

Things Bullies Hate:

Bullies hate getting it, but they love giving it.

Bullies love criticizing you because it makes them look like they’re smarter than you. They will use the veil of constructive criticism to disparage others they deem inferior and unworthy.

They may tell you that they’re only giving you this criticism to help you. However, they’re doing it to show you and everyone else that they’re superior to you. A bully’s hypocrisy knows no bounds.

If a bully ever unfairly criticizes you, you must stand up to them. Tell them in no uncertain terms to mind their own affairs and go on about their business.

And if they keep it up, hit them with their own book of standards. You can always say something like:

“That sounds real good coming from someone who doesn’t practice what they preach. Now, get out of here and go on about your business.”

This is one comeback you can use. It’s straightforward and, even better, it’s blunt. It’s nothing fancy. You don’t have to get cute or witty with it. Just say what you mean, mean what you say, and say it in as few words as possible.

2. Rules

Bullies hate following rules. Remember that bullies have a grandiose sense of entitlement. Moreover, they crave power. And the more power they have, the more they want.

Therefore, they feel that rules don’t apply to them. In their minds, rules are for everyone else.

3. Things Bullies Hate:

Being Stood up to

Bullies despise it when you stand up to them. Why? Because you are challenging their perceived authority. Therefore, they will fight you tooth and nail to reinforce their power over you.

Realize that when you stand up to a bully, things usually get worse before they get better. This is because bullies aren’t used to you defending yourself. In fact, they aren’t used to anyone standing up to them.

This is because others usually kiss their ass and give them free reign.

Therefore, bullies grow quite comfortable with having carte blanche to ride roughshod over you any time they feel like it. And they don’t want those advantages to stop.

Therefore, they’ll fight even harder to keep getting those benefits, even if they do come at your expense.

You must get this through your head right now. Bullies do not care about how they’ve hurt you. They don’t care about how much you’ve suffered from their abuse. The only thing they care about is power and whether they can keep getting what they want from you.

So, they will increase the abuse, not only to punish you, but also to wear you down. Why? Because if they can make you too tired to keep fighting, then they keep the upper hand.

Therefore, they will fight harder to keep you down at first. What you must do is stay strong, no matter how exhausted you may become. And you must also fight harder. This means you have to fight harder than they do.

It’s the only way you will ever get them to leave you alone.

4. Things Bullies Hate:

You proving them wrong

When you prove a bully wrong, you show everyone else that they aren’t so perfect. This puts a dent in their image. Therefore, they’ll try to get back at you to repair it.

5. You outshining them

Upstage a bully, and you’ll get tons of flak for it. To your bullies, you are inferior, and they want you to stay that way.

If you make a significant accomplishment, this makes your bullies look less important. You naturally overshadow anything they’ve accomplished. And they’ll do everything possible to try to reduce you back down where they think you should be.

6. Things Bullies Hate:

Competition

Bullies hate competition. And they despise it especially when it’s you they must compete with. If someone they deem inferior outmatches them in any competition. Oooo! Talk about a blow to the bully’s ego. Ouch!

Understand that bullies see any successes or accomplishments you achieve as a threat to their superiority. Why? Because the bullies’ sense of self-worth is drawn from a sense of one-upmanship and winning over.

Therefore, if you make a huge accomplishment or win any award or prize, bullies will see it as competition with them. As a result, they will escalate the bullying to punish you for that success.

Bullies will get angry and say things like:

  • “You think you’re better than us!”
  • “You think you’re hot stuff!”
  • “You think you’re so f***ing cool, don’t you?”

I’ve come to realize that any time a bully makes any statement that begins with, “You think you’re…,” it usually means jealousy. And it means anger, or resentment aimed at you for a success or desirable quality that you have. Always!

Understand that those three little words can say so much.

7. Taking Orders

Remember that bullies are primarily concerned with exerting power. Therefore, they despise taking orders. Why? Because to take orders means that they must be in a position of inferiority.

Bullies have an attitude of superiority. They don’t follow orders; they give them.

8. Things Bullies Hate:

Someone treating them the way they treat their victims

Bullies are notorious for expecting you to be okay with treatment that they would never be OK with. In their minds, it’s OK for them to treat others with disrespect.

However, when you kick the shit back their way, they become outraged. This is because bullies think that they’re exempt from having to suffer negative treatment.

Bullies think that they’re entitled to respect and admiration. And they become quite angry if you don’t give it to them. Moreover, they may even retaliate vengefully if they feel you aren’t giving them the recognition they think they deserve.

Therefore, see them for who they are… a bunch of smug, self-important turds who think the world should bow before them. Instead of kissing up to them, give them the treatment they give you. Regard them with indifference and dismissal.

9. Being ignored.

I’ve met many bullies who despised being ignored, even if they were acting like total jackasses. Realize that bullies crave attention, and they will do anything to get it.

They want to be the center of attention. “All eyes on me! Look at me! I’m special!”

Therefore, the best thing to do with them is to give them the attention they don’t want. And that is to stand up to them and tell them to get a life. Also, you can give them a dismissive look and walk away.

Things Bullies Hate:

In Closing

Bullies hate anything that doesn’t focus on them. Therefore, the worst you can do to them is dismiss them and keep going about your business. Sometimes, you must give bullies a dose of their own medicine to keep your self-esteem intact.

If you know what your bullies hate most, you can leverage it.

This post was all about the things bullies hate so that you can use them to your advantage.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Jealousy and Bullying: 7 Proven Signs Your Bullies are Jealous 

2. What Bullies Hate Most: 9 Things Bullies Despise 

bullies are cowards in disguise

Bullies are Cowards: Why Targets are the Brave Ones

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‘Want to know why bullies are cowards and how victims are the brave ones? Here is everything you need to know.

bullies are cowards

In a world where appearances prevail, it would seem that bullies are the brave ones and targets are the cowards. But things aren’t always what they seem. Now, are they?

In this post, you will learn why bullies are cowards and victims are the brave ones.

Once you learn all about these essential truths, you will feel better knowing that you are better off than your bullies will ever be.

This post is all about why bullies are often cowards, so that you can see your bullies for who they truly are and begin standing up to them.

Bullies are Cowards

Have you noticed that bullies love to talk smack? They trumpet to the world about how tough they are. Moreover, they believe that everyone else should bow down and tremble before them.

Bullies work hard at beating their chests and bluffing. However, it only goes to prove that they’re the least confident and most insecure schmucks on the face of the earth.

Why? Because anyone who must announce that they’re tough can’t be. When something is there, you don’t have to try and show it.

Those who are tough are usually the quiet ones. They don’t have to talk about it. How many times have you heard stories about the quiet kid beating the crap out of the loudmouth bully who pushed him too far?

The ones who are truly tough never talk. You don’t see these people running around, spouting off about how tough they are because they don’t have to.

They don’t need to tell you about it because they already know they’re tough and there’s no need to prove it to anyone. They’ve already proven it to themselves, and that’s enough.

Bluffs, Blowhards, and Windbags

Therefore, if any bully messes with them, they will get hurt.

I’ve dealt with droves of bullies, and one thing I noticed a long time ago is that they’re loudmouth losers. They puff out their chests and flap their lips. They talk about how they’re going to kick this person’s butt, whip that person’s butt- they never stop.

Additionally, many bullies may employ passive-aggressive tactics. Because they’re too scared to be direct, they like to hurl subtle zingers your way, hoping you won’t notice.

With these chumps, it’s one pissing contest after another.

Bullies are Cowards:

They Quickly Grow Boring.

As a result, having to listen to their gas constantly gets boring fast. Why? Because, again, that’s all you hear out of them.

Anyone who must spit such rubbish isn’t only trying to convince the rest of the world. They’re also trying to convince themselves.

These are characteristics of every single chump who has ever bullied me in my lifetime. It’s not only pathetic, but laughable that they must go through life this way.

Furthermore, these people are so incredibly insecure that you can trigger them just by challenging them in any way. Their egos are that fragile.

These bullies may even approach you and get in your face if they have their entourage of lackeys behind them. Therefore, if you’re a target of bullying, know this.

Your bullies are total fakes. They’re phonies. Cowards. Chumps!

All You Can Do is Pity Them.

When you stop and think about it, it’s hard to hate anyone who is this pathetic. The only thing you can do is feel sorry for such pitiful souls.

Again, remember that those who are genuinely tough don’t have to talk about it. It’s just there.

Always remember this the next time a bully gets in your face or shoots their mouth off. Feel confident in knowing that you’re not like this person and you don’t have to resort to such buffoonery. This alone should be a real self-esteem booster.

Have you noticed that many little people can be the biggest bullies?

Bullies are Cowards:

Bullies with Napoleon Complexes

Many bullies in school were insecure because they were short, skinny, or both. So, they would compensate for that by bullying others.

They would intimidate others by walking around with a scowl on their faces. Or they’d scream, yell, and talk real tough. It’s hilarious when I look back now.

Many of these little squirts do this, and there’s a name for it. It’s called either the “Napoleon Complex” or “little man syndrome.”

Think “Maddy Webber” on the new MacGyver reboot.

Understand that their bark is worse than their bite, and they bully as a defense mechanism. Maybe the little ankle-biters at my school gave me a hard time because bigger kids were bullying them.

But they would never admit it. So, they took the coward’s way out and searched for someone they thought was weaker.

They’d come at you with their spitfire tempers and want to try to fight you. Then they’d wonder why they got a good whack in the nose. Next, they’d either run, crying to a teacher, or they’d go bark up someone else’s tree.

I was small myself, weighing about 120 pounds and standing at only 5’3″ -5’4″. However, some of these kids were even smaller than I was. Such kids are in every school, and you even have tiny adults who behave the same way at work.

We even had a few short and skinny teachers. And they’d scream and yell at the students when they’d get too noisy.

I knew of one male English teacher who’d go wild. He would slam his fists down on his desk or shake his fists in the air.  He would even throw erasers at students and scream like a banshee.

We just knew this little guy was a future resident at the state mental hospital.

Bullies are Cowards:

Real Life Experiences with Tiny Bullies

Even as an adult, I’ve seen different people (especially men) at work who were short and lanky. Yet, they would bark loudly, and I couldn’t help but think that they were compensating somehow for their stature.

Their screaming, cursing, posturing, and jockeying seemed to give them some sense of power. I’m not posting this to make fun of little people. Not all of them are like this. As I mentioned earlier, I’m only 5’4″.

We all come in different sizes and varieties, and we should celebrate those differences. But when you feel you have to bully others to make up for a weakness, you only show what a scared little coward you are. And people like me see right through you, and all we do is laugh.

Try a little kindness instead. Then, when a bigger bully comes for you, we just might come to your defense instead of laughing at you.

Cyber-bullies are the biggest cowards of all.

Bullies are cowards, but Cyber-bullies are the biggest, most pathetic ones.

They sit in the safety of their homes or their mom’s basements, attics, and backyard sheds. And they hide behind fake profiles and screen names, trolling the internet and social media in search of victims.

If you’ve ever dealt with a cyber-bully, I knew how you feel. Words do have power and it’s easy to be hurt when anyone attacks you, online or off. I, too used to get upset when I’d look at my instant messages and find that some idiot had sent me a flamer.

However, today, I’ve learned to see it for what it is and the cyber-bullies for who they are. And that in itself can be a real boost to the self-esteem.

When I think of the term “cyber-bully,” I instantly get a mental picture of one of two types of people:

1. Some broke, unemployed and shirtless fat guy sitting and typing on a computer in his granny’s basement, while stuffing his face with Cheetos and sporting a man-bun.

2. A skinny, pimple-faced, bespectacled geek who only trolls the net to compensate for his lack of sex and a social life in the real world.

Occasionally, I still deal with cyberbullies. When I do, one of those pathetic pictures immediately pops up in my mind. And I can’t help but chuckle to myself.

Bullies are Cowards:

If they have time to troll the internet, they can’t be about much.

Because cyber-bullies often use a fake profile or screen name with either a blank photo or one that’s fake, it only shows that they’re faceless cowards and not to be taken seriously.

These losers talk so big and tough behind that keyboard- oh, yeah! They’re real badasses online. But you can bet that if they ever saw you on the street, they wouldn’t have the sack to step up.

So, ask yourself these questions.

  • Should I take these wusses so seriously?
  • Should I give these worthless schmucks the power to make us feel bad about ourselves?
  • Should I value their useless gibberish?

I can’t speak for anyone else. However, I have a hard time valuing the worthless opinions of anyone who doesn’t have a name or face.

Any person who’s a Rambo in cyberspace but a George McFly on the street, I can only take with a horselaugh and a grain of salt.

You either have a big, brass pair or you don’t.

It takes a real zero to spend even a few hours a day trolling other users. You just know that the person has no ambition, no prospects, and no life.

Understand that when you’re cyber-bullied, often you’re dealing with a poor soul who is bored, lonely, and miserable.

And the only way they can feel good about themselves and have power is to do what they’re doing now.

Therefore, if you are cyber-bullied online, you shouldn’t put too much stock in their opinions. Their words don’t carry a lot of weight.

Understand that cyber-bullies are often people who flame others because they’re insecure, self-loathing, and have nothing going for them. Online is the only way these pathetic losers can have a social life.

That alone speaks volumes about the kind of people they are and the crappy lives they lead. So, again, should you take these losers seriously? Are they worth getting angry or depressed over?

These idiots can’t make you feel bad about yourself unless you allow them to.

Bullies are Cowards:

For words to have power over you, you must first consider the source.

Though words have power, and they can hurt you, you should always consider the source. Because in truth, most cyber-bullies live miserable existences and should only be pitied.

Yet, victims are (mistakenly) branded as cowards. They are the ones who come to school or work and face bullies… alone, no matter how viciously they get brutalized.

Through all the name-calling, the taunts, the brutal beatings, and the threats to their lives, targets manage to reach within themselves and push through another day.

To endure abuse every single day for several years and still find the resolve to soldier on? Now that takes courage! Targets of bullying are the real warriors! Notice I didn’t say victim.

It takes bravery to be a target of relentless bullying and remain standing tall. To endure bouts of daily and constant abuse and make it to the finish line of high school graduation or the end-of-week paycheck? That takes guts!

To stay in the race, while most bullies drop out of school or quit their jobs when the going gets tough? That’s not only brave, but it’s also heroic! To be your own hero? That takes bravery, bullies will never have.

So take advantage of it and shut your bullies down for good! Continue to be brave. You don’t have to be an easy target.

Always remember that bullies are the real cowards. 

This post explained why bullies are cowards so that their games DON’T have the effect on you they once did and you can feel better about yourself knowing that you aren’t them.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. How to Shut Down a Bully: 11 Comebacks that Stop Them Cold

2. Easy Targets for Bullies: 6 Groups of People Bullies Love to Target

3. Passive-Aggressive Bullying: 7 Hallmarks of Sneak Dissing

why do schools protect bullies reddit

Why Do Schools Protect Bullies? 5 Common Reasons

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Why do schools protect bullies? This is the question on the minds of most school bullying victims. If you’re one of them, here are all the detailed reasons you need to know.

why do schools protect bullies

When a student is bullied and reports the abuse, many schools will protect the bullies instead of the kid who needs protection. They never hold them accountable for their bad behavior. Instead, they blame the victim.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn all the answers you need to know.

Once you learn all the answers and the details around them, you will no longer need to ask, “Why do schools protect bullies?”. Moreover, you will realize that protecting yourself from bullying is your responsibility. And you will feel better about taking the initiative and standing up to your bullies.

This post will give you all the answers when you ask, “Why do schools protect bullies,” so that you will no longer let it confuse you.

Why Do Schools Protect Bullies?

If you’re bullied in school, you should follow the proper channels. You can report the bullying to your teachers and the principal. It’s only legal.

However, when you are bullied and report the abuse, many schools will only protect the bullies and blame you.

There are several reasons why schools protect bullies. However, first, let’s discuss how and why they attempt to conceal bullying.

Why do schools try to hide bullying?

Here are all the ways schools try to hide bullying.

1. They vehemently deny bullying in their facilities.

The reason they do this is to protect the school’s reputation and that of the school district. Bullying has been a topic of widespread news coverage over the last twenty-five years or so.

Moreover, the last thing any school wants is to be plastered all over the media because of a bullying incident. Therefore, they will deny that anything happened to cover it up.

2. They don’t contact the victim’s parents.

When a bully injures a child, schools often fail to report the incident to the child’s parents.  Moreover, they refuse to show any videos of bullying or fights to the bullied child’s parents. I’ve read about this many times.

Again, the reason they do this is to prevent the school’s reputation from being tarnished. Additionally, this also protects the bullies.

3. Why Do Schools Protect Bullies?

They answer any questions with vague statements or refuse to comment AT ALL.

The reason schools do this is to confuse the parents. They also do it to stonewall them and make them go away.

They think that if your parents give up, everything can go back to the way it was, and they won’t have to worry about their school’s reputation taking a hit.

4. They Retaliate against the bullied kid or their family.

When your parents get involved and refuse to shut up about the bullying, your school may retaliate. This doesn’t happen often, but it happens.

How schools retaliate against Bullied Students.

Many schools are vindictive toward bullied students and families who refuse to shut up about incidents of bullying. Here are the ways they retaliate.

1. They threaten to call Children’s Services

Schools do this to scare your parents into being quiet. If they can put you at risk of being removed from your home, they are more likely to silence you and your family.

Additionally, this shifts the negative spotlight away from the school and onto your family.

2. Why Do Schools Protect Bullies?

It’s easier to ban your parents from the school.

Parents who complain about bullying pose a threat to the school. Therefore, the school may ban the parent from school property.

If the parent is violent, then the school should ban them. However, in many cases, the parent did not resort to violence. All they did was simply bring up a bullying incident, and that was all it took for the school to ban them.

No. This doesn’t happen every day. Some schools do protect bullied kids. However, they are few and far between. And the bullying of innocent parents does happen. And it’s heartbreaking.

3. They have your parents arrested.

Again, if the parent comes to the school threatening violence and acting like a fool, I’m all for banning them and having them arrested.

However, many innocent parents have been arrested for simply addressing bullying. Sometimes this happens even if the parent handles the situation with diplomacy.

I’ve read many heartbreaking stories about similar situations.

4. Why Do Schools Protect Bullies?

It’s easier to Threaten you.

This happened to me years ago. Because I defended myself against many bullies, the staff made out an unruly child report and almost had me sent away.

Fortunately, I dodged that bullet. But many bullied victims don’t. And it’s sad.

5. They have you arrested and sent to the juvenile detention center.

I’ve read many stories of innocent bullying victims being sent away to juvenile detention because they fought their bullies in self-defense.

Unfortunately, zero-tolerance policies often fail to deter bullying. Sometimes, they get innocent kids in trouble for simply trying to defend themselves from physically violent bullies.

6. Why do schools protect bullies?

It’s easier to hide behind Sovereign Immunity.

Also, understand that schools have Sovereign Immunity and they will hide behind it. Sovereign Immunity is the stipulation that protects federal or state entities from litigation.

Therefore, it’s difficult to file a lawsuit against a school or school district. Parents have filed lawsuits against schools. And, yes, some have even won those lawsuits.

However, the statistics for successful cases are low.

This is why Sovereign Immunity for schools must be abolished. Moreover, they must be held accountable if a bullied student is maimed, murdered, or dies from suicide.

So, why do schools protect bullies?

1. Because the bullies have connections to people in power.

In other words, they are connected to local politicians and crime kingpins. This is especially true in small towns.

It’s because schools are afraid of pissing off those in power. If they suspend the bullies, their grades will likely drop.

Then, their powerful parents, who are likely to be adult bullies, would show up the next morning. They will demand to know why their little darlings were suspended.

If nothing else, know this. In most cases of bullying, it’s not about who’s right or wrong. It’s about who has the most power.

In other words, most people care less about right and wrong. What they care about is power and how you can benefit them in some way, shape, or form.

“What’s in it for me?”

2. Why do schools protect bullies?

Because the bullies often score high academically, which makes the school look good.

Schools are rated by the grades their students receive. Their graduation and dropout rates are also taken into account.

Therefore, if a school can maintain a high graduation rate and a low dropout rate, it enhances its reputation. In short, they look good.

Therefore, why would the school side with anyone other than its brightest stars and highest achievers?

If schools can crank out college candidates with high honors, all the better. And sadly, because of bullying, many targets drop out.

3. Why Do Schools Protect Bullies?

The bullies are athletes on the school sports teams.

Many bullies are stars of the school’s sports teams. Let’s face it. Schools have an interest in their sports teams.

They want to win games and to win in regional, state, and national championships. Why? Because it bolsters the school’s image.

And what school board member or principal wouldn’t want these things?

If the school has an excellent reputation, it’s likely to have a larger number of attending students. And more parents will likely want their kids to attend.

And the more students a school has, the more funding it receives from its state. Therefore, schools have a vested interest in maintaining a positive image.

4. The bullies are on the cheerleading squad and in sororities and fraternities.

Only students with good grades and high marks are accepted into these groups. So, it goes without saying. If they make superior grades, the school will protect them.

5. Why do schools protect bullies?

The bullies’ parents are boosters.

In other words, they are those who provide funding for the school’s programs. And trust me when I say that schools won’t risk losing these funders!

Therefore, schools will always side with the bullies and blame you because appealing to any entity’s self-interest equals POWER! And most victims of bullying, I’m sorry to say, don’t have the power that bullies have.

Remember that an imbalance of power is a primary characteristic of bullying.

6. The bullies suck up to faculty.

Like it or not, most people in power love being sucked up to. Teachers and school officials are no exception. Therefore, sucking up gives bullies many brownie points.

And school staff will protect bullies. And they will do it out of loyalty.

Why do schools protect bullies?

Schools THAT bully parents

Schools have more power than you realize. If their reputation is at risk, they will do anything to silence you and your family. They will take measures to prevent anything bad from getting out.

Sadly, many parents of bullied kids are single. And they are raising children on one paycheck. How do they fight against such powerful entities?

Understand that school officials are elected officials- politicians. And schools will protect their reputations at all costs.

How Parents can protect their children from bullying

1. Put in for a school transfer.

Although not always feasible, transferring your child to a new school is one of the best things you can do for them. A transfer will give them a fresh start with a clean slate.

And, because they’ve had no history with the other students at the new school, it will be much easier for them to make friends there.

However, what if you can’t afford it? Luckily, there’s a government program called school choice. With the school choice program, you get vouchers to send your child to any school they want to attend, even a private school.

Ways you can appeal to the school’s interests and level the playing field

If you can find a way to appeal to the school’s self-interest, then you have an ace in the hole. Here are ways you can do it!

1. Excel and keep your grades up.

I realize that this can be hard to do when you’re a target of relentless bullying. Bullying can break your concentration.

Instead of focusing on schoolwork, you naturally focus on ways to be safe. That’s completely understandable. However, you must make your bullies your motivation to excel.

There’s nothing wrong with compensating. And sometimes you must compensate to buffer your self-esteem and protect your mental health.

Therefore, if you lack friends and social connections, compensate for this by excelling in academics and improving your class performance.

It will pay huge dividends. And you’ll feel so much better about yourself.

3. Find ways to benefit the school with your talents and gifts.

If you can use your talents to bolster the school’s image, that’s a win for you. And the school will more likely support and protect you from bullies.

If you can sing, join the school choir and win in the all-state championships. Not only will you look good, but your school will also look good!

In closing:

It’s a fact that most schools ignore bullying and protect bullies. Bullies get away with bullying all the time, and some teachers may join in on the torment. It’s heartbreaking.

But don’t give up. There are things you can do to protect yourself.

This post answered the question, “Why do schools protect bullies” to get rid of any confusion and bewilderment you might have.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Why do Schools Ignore Bullying? 7 Reasons Schools Do Nothing

2. Why do Bullies Get Away with Bullying? 15 Must-Know Answers 

3. Bullying by Teachers in School: 7 Steps to Protect Yourself

sub-types of bullies and how to deal with them

Sub-types of Bullies: 7 Personalities of Bullies

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Understanding the sub-types of bullies is crucial. It’s not just about knowing there are types of bullies, but also recognizing the sub-types. Here’s everything you need to know to protect yourself.

sub-types of bullies

Types of bullies include physical bullies, verbal bullies, cyberbullies, social bullies, and so on. With sub-types, we go deeper.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn about all the sub-types of bullies so that you can easily identify them when they come for you.

Once you learn all about these categories of bullies, you will be better equipped to defend yourself from bullying and ensure your safety.

This post is all about the sub-types of bullies so that you know who they are and can better protect yourself.

Sub-types of Bullies

Bullies come in different kinds. You can never assume how your bullies will react, as different people respond to other things in various ways.

Speak out against and expose some bullies, and they might leave you alone. Talk about others, and they’ll go to the ends of the earth to get back at you.

Therefore, you must tailor your defense strategies to the particular bully you’re dealing with. To do this, you must be able to distinguish the blowhards from the truly vindictive.

You must differentiate between the smart and the foolish. You must also separate the aggressive and the passive-aggressive.

Never deal blindly with bullies. Why? Because if you handle them willy-nilly, you’ll be at their mercy. And they’ll toss you around like a tornado tosses debris.

To successfully combat bullying, it is essential to recognize the various personality types. Otherwise, you won’t survive.

Here are all the personality types (sub-types) of bullies you likely deal with.

1. Bullies with Narcissism

They may try to hide it. However, their self-importance gives them away. They have excessive pride and an overly inflated sense of entitlement.

All this combined makes them dangerous. They believe they are beyond reproach. Therefore, if they think for a moment that you slighted them, they will pay you back with severe brutality.

Logic and rationality don’t apply to these people. They overreact to what even looks like opposition.

Sub-Types of Bullies:

All you don’t have to do anything to them for them to come after you.

You don’t have to provoke them. In fact, you don’t have to do anything at all. All you have to do is be good at something. In other words, if you outdo them at anything, they’ll take offense to it.

They’ll call you a showoff and take it as you’re trying to be better than them. And they’ll make you pay dearly. If you get recognition for a project well done, these people won’t tolerate it. They hate being in anyone’s shadow!

Bullies with narcissism are usually in the popular crowd at school or in management at work.

Don’t bother trying to second-guess them. Avoid them like the plague! Because they live to cause pain.

It’s in their psychology.

2. Sub-Types of Bullies:

Arrogant Bullies

Arrogant bullies don’t have to have narcissism. Why? Because, in many cases, arrogance comes from insecurity. People may put on an air of arrogance to hide their insecurities.

This kind of bully may have low self-esteem, but they hide that by acting like they’re better than you.

They are a close second to the bullies with narcissism. The only thing that separates them from the narcs is that the narcs really do think they’re superior.

However, the arrogant bullies want you to think they’re superior.

These bullies are harder to spot and less violent. Like those with narcissism, they have extremely fragile egos.

They are highly insecure. Moreover, if they dislike you, they’ll attack in small nibbles. You won’t realize it until they begin taking bigger swipes at you.

These bullies are usually the wannabes. They are groupies to the popular crowd at school or the suck-ups to management at work.

Avoid these people as well because they will bully you to prove their worth to the popular crowd.

3. Suspicious Bullies

These bullies only see the worst in you. They see you as a threat and think that you’re out to get them when you aren’t.

Suspicious bullies aren’t as dangerous as the previous two. You can fool these bullies much easier. And sometimes you must resort to trickery to protect yourself.

To counter these bullies, you must use their suspicions and turn them to someone else. As long as they’re bullying someone else, they’re leaving you alone.

4. Sub-Types of Bullies:

Those with photographic memories

These bullies never forget you. If you were to run into them again 30 years later, you can bet that they will target you again. They’ll pick up where they left off.

If you’re a target of these bullies, they won’t show their hatred outwardly. But they will keep their eyes on you.

They’ll lie in wait as they plot. Then, when the time is right, they’ll exact their brutality with a frigid coldness. These bullies are usually stoic.

To protect yourself, you must punish these bullies so severely that they won’t even think of coming for you again.

5. Bullies who aren’t very bright

These individuals are easy to counter and won’t anticipate your counterattack. These are the bullies you can most easily defend yourself against. Also, they’re easy to expose.

Again, you must know your bullies if you expect to overcome them. Knowing your bullies means understanding their personalities and being able to predict their future actions.

Only then will you be able to protect yourself against them.

6. Sub-Types of Bullies:

Passive-Aggressive Bullies

These types of bullies are slick with their attacks. They catch you off guard, taunting you in such a way that it can be tricky to figure out if it’s you they’re aiming their attacks at.

Sometimes, you don’t even know until it’s too late for you to deliver a good comeback.

Why? Because the bully may not necessarily address it to you. In other words, you may not know they’re talking about you.

However, bystanders will immediately know who the covert nastiness was meant for. It’s funny how we tend to see so much clearer from the outside.

What’s so terrible about this is that the stealthy insults are usually hurled at you in front of an audience. And they can quickly fly over your head.

As a result, you end up looking like a clueless idiot for not catching it in time. The bully’s words are vague and unclear. But they’ll still nibble at your self-esteem.

Passive-aggressive bullies are cowards.

They take a chunk out of your pride, whether you want them to or not. Why? Because you usually figure it out sooner or later. It only goes to prove how vicious these covert attacks can be.

The bully and a few others think they’re being cute and witty. And they slap you with burn after burn. However, see these people for who they are and why they’re so slick with their mouths.

They’re nothing but cowards. Why? Because they lack the courage to make a direct attack. They’re afraid of how you might respond, so they hit you with sneak attacks to stun you into silence.

Here’s how you protect yourself from these creeps. Learn to read between the lines. Also, learn to read the room when they get slick-mouthed with you.

Also, listen to your gut. If you have a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach, don’t ignore it.

Watch the people around you. Notice their reactions. Also pay attention to any clusters. If you see any of these expressions below, you are the target of the insult.

  • Witnesses’ eyes suddenly widen and they immediately look at you funny after the bully opens his mouth
  • They alternate uncomfortable glances from the bully to you, then back to the bully.
  • You hear light gasps and grunts of shock from the “audience.”
  • Their faces suddenly change and mouths slightly gape open.
  • You hear soft but derisive giggles, chuckles, or laughter
  • You see or hear snickering

If you notice any of these things, let the bully have it!

7. Sub-Types of Bullies:

Those who are easily Offended

For people who love to dish out the bullshit, bullies are the most easily offended. They have such fragile egos that it takes zero effort to offend them.

Understand that people who are easily offended take things completely out of context. They attach meaning to your behavior when it’s completely devoid of personal meaning.

Even if you are neutral, these bullies will find ways to turn it into a personal affront or confrontation.

With these pansies, it’s always:

  • “She doesn’t agree with everything I say, do, and think, so that means she doesn’t like me!”
  • “He has a different opinion than me, so that means he’s looking down his nose at me!”
  • “She doesn’t like the same things I like, so that means she hates me!”

When they do this, they presume to know what you’re thinking and feeling.

In Closing

In life, you will run into all kinds of bullies. This is why you must understand their personality types so that you can better predict their behavior. Then, you can tailor your defense tactics

This post was all about the sub-Types of bullies so that you can predict their next move and tailor your defense against them.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Bullying and Narcissism: 7 Secret Powers of Narcopathic Bullies

2. Sadistic Personality: Bullies who Bully for Pleasure 

comebacks for bullies at school

Comebacks for Bullies: 12 Phrases that Shut Them Up

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‘Want to know the best comebacks for bullies so that you can shut them up for good? Here are all the burning clap-backs you need to know about.

comebacks for bullies

Bullies are forever on the attack. They are pretty inventive when it comes to verbal sparring. Sadly, many victims get stumped because they can’t think of anything to counter the verbal abuse.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn several comebacks you can use to get them to shut up and leave you alone once and for all.

Once you learn these clap-backs, you will lessen the chances of them coming for you again. Additionally, your confidence will receive a significant boost.

This post provides a list of comebacks for bullies, so you can give them a dose of their own medicine and force them to go away for good.

Comebacks for Bullies

Understand that bullies thrive on power and control. Therefore, if they can’t control you, they’ll control how others view you. This is why they like to throw cute little zingers and burns at you in front of an audience.

They want to diminish you in the eyes of others.

Also, they’ll use redundancy and repetition to make you believe their lies, too. Here’s what they say to brainwash you into seeing yourself through their eyes. Also, here’s what you should come back with.

Examples

1. Bullies: “Apart from us, you can do nothing, you are nothing, and you never will be.”

You: “Apart from you, I’m better off. I can do anything I set my mind to do, and who are you to make predictions?”

When you respond this way, you completely counter the bully’s statement. In that, you buffer your self-esteem and confidence. They may not stop talking. They may even repeat themselves.

However, the important thing is that you countered their attack. You didn’t take it lying down. So, you dealt a blow, and that’s what matters.

2. Bullies: “You’ll never find happiness.”

You: “Really? Why’s that? Because you never found any? I don’t need your permission to be happy. I’m much happier without losers like you.”

3. Bullies: “Nobody will ever like you.”

You: “And who’s ‘nobody?’ You? Maybe you never will, but I don’t mind because you don’t matter.”

4. Bullies: “You’re nothing without our approval.”

You: “I’m nothing with it because you are nothing. I don’t need your approval.

Always counter your bullies’ verbal attacks. Even counter the unspoken ones. You’ll be surprised at what it’ll do for your self-esteem and spirit!

Comebacks for bullies:

Universal comebacks you can use to counter any verbal attack.

1. If I want to hear from an ass, I’ll fart.

2. Were you born a jackass or did you have to work at it?

3. Take a break. You don’t have to be a moron every day of your life.

With the above three comebacks, you are insulting the bully’s intelligence. Making someone out to be an idiot is worse than yelling and cursing them out. Why? Because you can be calm and cool as a cucumber when you counter with these kinds of comebacks.

4. Boneheads like you are the reason abortion is legal.

Not only are you calling the bully an idiot, you’re also sending the message that the world would be a better place if they weren’t around. Therefore, this is a two-in-one.

Comebacks that weaponize your bully’s emotions.

5. Are you mad? Fix your face, sweetie.

This is a great counter-jab because it highlights your bully’s anger. Also, you get to take their outrage and rub their noses in it. Now, who doesn’t love that?

6. You’re not a happy person, are you?

When you come back with this, you’re letting the bully and everyone else within earshot know that they’re a miserable human being. Ouch!

Moreover, this is embarrassing to bullies, and they’ll likely quickly leave you alone and find someone else to jerk around.

Comebacks for bullies:

Calling out their behavior.

7. Are you so miserable that you have to put someone else down to feel better about yourself?

By saying this, you’re not only calling out their behavior, you’re exposing the bully as the pathetic loser they are. Anyone who must berate others to feel powerful can’t be about much.

Therefore, you instill some shame into the bullies, and they’ll likely decide that you aren’t the one they want to tangle with.

8. You can’t insult me. I’d have to care about your opinions first.

With this little gem of a comeback, you’re telling your bullies that they’re wasting their breath on you. And if you’re a bully, it’s nowhere near as fun to take pot shots at someone who doesn’t give a damn what you think.

In fact, it takes the wind out of a bully’s sails. Remember that bullies are counting on a big, emotional reaction from you. And when you calmly counter them with this little firecracker, you take the fun out of the game.

Therefore, they’ll decide that you aren’t worth the energy and find an easier target.

When Using these comebacks, remember to use them calmly.

9. Why are you so obsessed with me? That’s creepy, and I don’t like you that way.

This is a great clap-back because you’re humiliating the bullies by highlighting their obsession with you. Also, you’re making it look to bystanders as though they are romantically interested in you, but don’t know how else to get your attention.

10. You must bully people to compensate for your shoe size.

The most effective counter-jab is to reframe the bully’s behavior as a response to a shortcoming.  When you do it this way, you can reduce the bully’s power and make them look foolish if an audience is present.

11. You need to stop outing yourself.

This is a good one because you make it seem to others as if your bullies are projecting their issues onto you. And, in most cases of bullying, they are.

12. Whatever.

You can use this little one-word wonder in almost any verbal situation. Also, it can be used as a response to any verbal attack.

A cool response of “whatever” is the comeback of the ages! It’s short and sweet, and it’s the perfect blow-off to any bully.

Comebacks for Bullies:

The less words you use, the better!

Let’s face it, being blown off with this magic word is a real pisser-offer to every bully. Why? Because they’re looking for a big reaction from you. Any time you calmly make this little response, it sends the message to the bully that they bore you. Ouch!

Another reason this little beauty of a word infuriates bullies so much is that there’s no good comeback to counter it. It stops them dead in their tracks and leaves them looking nine kinds of dimwitted!

Bullies may verbally retaliate with a “whatever” of their own, but it will only make them look unoriginal and childish. The trick with this comeback is to strike first. Why? Because he who says it first automatically wins the day!

More Comebacks for bullies.

For example, your bully may ask you, “‘You want to fight me?”  Then, you can say, “I would but shit splatters.”

If your bully tells you to get a life, you say, “Like yours? Nah. I’ll pass.”

If the bully tells you that you’re an arrogant jerk, you could say, “That’s a compliment coming from you.”

And, if the bully tells you that your shirt looks like it’s from the Salvation Army, you could come back with, “Oh, you shop there too, huh?”

If a bully flips you off, you could say, “Behind every bird is a pile of shit.”

In Closing

If you’re a target of bullying, I cannot stress how important it is for you to have a few zingers filed away in the back of your mind. Moreover, you must be quick! You must be able to think on your feet!

With these comebacks, you will look calm, cool, and collected while making your bullies look defeated.

You will throw your bullies off balance. You will infuriate them so much that they won’t be able to think straight. They will probably react out of emotion. And when they do that, they will only expose themselves.

Moreover, you will instantly boost your self-esteem and save your mental health from any damage that verbal bullying can cause.

So, put this in your little toolbox, because with these comebacks, you can’t go wrong! Just remember to say it calmly and coolly. Then watch your bullies’ reactions as they search and stumble to find a comeback without repeating you and looking utterly ridiculous.

Once you learn how to disarm bullies, you will throw them for a loop and discourage them from ever coming for you again.

This post was all about comebacks for bullies so that you can be ready with a quick counter-jab when your bullies come at you with verbal abuse, and you can save your self-esteem and overall mental health.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. How to Disarm a Bully: 13 Clever Comebacks that Work Wonders

2. How to Shut Down a Bully: 11 Comebacks that Stop Them Cold

3.  Phrases to Shut Down a Gaslighter: 9 Powerful Statements to Use

4. How to Respond to Darvo: 7 Powerful Ways to Shut it Down 

tearing the mask off the bully at work

Tearing the Mask off the Bully: 3 Tools That Build Their Facade

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Tearing the mask off the bully isn’t easy. Therefore, do you want to know the real people behind the fake facades bullies put up? Here are all the details you need to know.

tearing the mask off the bully

The reality for many victims of bullying is that they seem to be the only person in the world who knows the real people behind the masks their bullies wear.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn how to tear the mask of the bully so that you can not only expose them for the creeps they are, but also preserve your good name and ensure your safety.

Once you learn all about this game-changing information, you will be able to easily expose bullies who try to play victim and use charm to fool others.

This post is all about tearing the mask off the bully so that you can expose your bullies and ensure your safety.

Tearing the mask of the bully

Realizing the truth about your bully is not always easy. Sadly, it seems that the more fake a person appears to be, the more others adore them. On the other hand, the more real a person is, the more others hate them.

The reason for this is that the truth scares most folks. The truth is uncomfortable, even painful. As the old quote goes, “It’s much easier to fool others than to convince them that they’ve been fooled.”

Bullies have a way of using seductive charm and drawing others to them. They have a knack for making others like, even love them. These individuals are exceptionally skilled at forming connections with everyone.

Bullies will agree with everyone on anything and tell others what they want to hear. They say all the right things at the right times. They’re the best actors in the business, and sometimes it’s hard to see the snake behind the charm.

This is how workplace bullies get promoted in the workplace. It’s how school bullies become the teacher’s pets and the school’s sacred cows. It’s how bullies are liked and yes, even loved by unsuspecting others.

Bullies Thrive on Deception

It’s frustrating, isn’t it? When you know a person is fake, yet others think they’re the best thing since sliced bread?

The person is evil, manipulative, and lies without a conscience, yet nobody knows it but you. Why? Because you’re the only one who sees that side of them.

You notice the real person behind the facade of charisma, smiles, and waves. Plain as day, you watch them take pleasure in hurting others and ruining lives. At the same time, these bullies have a talent for sucking everyone else in by their fakery.

For example, A high school bully boy beats up a smaller kid on the ball field. As a result, all the girls who watch from the bleachers love him for it.

Or, maybe the bully gropes an innocent girl in the hallway. And he does it, knowing that she clearly does not want them touching her.

But, sadly, the female admirers who hang with them only laugh and signal approval. After all, the girl the creep groped is “a slut who was asking for it.” Right?

You can almost see what they’re thinking as you watch their eyes and their body language.

“Wow! What a man!”

Tearing the mask off the bully:

Bullies can don their masks but Can’t Survive Without Putting Someone Else Down

Take, for instance, the workplace bully. She seems so in control, so smart, and so attractive when she’s berating another employee for a minor mistake. Or, maybe she’s attacking another, more talented person to undermine their abilities.

These are the type of folks who are blind to their own selfishness. They tell lie after lie and ruin life after life.

They lack consideration for others and aren’t responsible for their own screw-ups. However, they have no qualms about pointing out the mistakes and imperfections of others.  Additionally, they have no problem projecting their issues onto someone else.

What’s even more baffling is that you’d think that once this creep dumps on enough people, others would begin to see through their smokescreens. However!

Au contraire! Some of them keep going back after being dumped on, only to have the bully rub it in. It’s enough to make you sick.

The Idiocy of The Bully’s Followers

You may try to warn others about the real person behind the facade. Also, you may defend yourself when they attack you, but others take their word and their side over yours.

Moreover, you hear others talk, saying what a fine, upstanding person the bully is. Furthermore, they don’t know the person. You and only a few others know. Therefore, it’s hard to bite your tongue when you hear it.

The bully can be so horribly evil that if he stood side by side with the devil himself, you’d have a hard time distinguishing between the two. Furthermore, this person puts on the pathetic but convincing act of being bullied when they’re the ones doing the bullying.

It’s amazing how easily the people around you are fooled! But realize that not only the bully, but the weak and gullible followers who enable the bully, need professional help.

Tearing the mask of the bully:

Those Who Surround the Bully are Followers, Nothing More.

Understand that these bullies are toxic souls and wastes of space. They’re the people who struggle to maintain a relationship. Eventually, these bullies get a little too prideful, a little too bold…then they get sloppy!

They screw up somehow, the mask falls off, and finally! Everyone sees their true colors!

I’ve seen this happen, and I won’t lie to you. It gave me a sense of justice, and I was ecstatic when I watched them fall. Karma is a booger!

3 Ingredients Bullies Use to Build Their Image of Perfection

We all know that bullies are cowards who hide behind a facade. But what makes that facade? What are the exact ingredients that make up the bully’s facade?

Bullies are like peacocks. They like to strut around and fan out their tails, displaying their most vibrant colors.

And they do this to collect admirers, followers, and allies. That’s exactly what the bully’s facade is used for. And bullies are skilled at deceiving their peers into believing that they’re perfect and untouchable.

Only you know what’s behind the masks. Victims know the real personalities these masks hide. So, again, what exactly are the ingredients that bullies use to build their carefully crafted facades and promote those fake images?

1. Tearing the Mask off the Bully:

Impeccable Attire.

Most seasoned and well-practiced bullies dress in the best and latest fashions. These creeps love to be pleasing to the eyes.

Why? Because they understand that most humans are materialistic and obsessed with beauty. They also understand that everything is based on appearances.

So, they wear the fanciest clothes, the trendiest hairstyles, and the sexiest makeup.

They showcase these things to present themselves in the best possible light. Moreover, they give the impression that they’re rolling in money and have the perfect life, all to impress others. Most of all, bullies do it to make themselves appear better than others.

Many of them don’t have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out. Not that being poor makes a person bad, but!

Most bullies will go flat broke buying fancy clothes and sporty cars to pimp around town in to keep up a fake persona. And they’ll be up to their eyeballs in debt.

As a result, many of these types constantly struggle to pay or fail to pay their bills.

They’re the types who will run to mommy and daddy for bailouts and handouts. Yet they continue to spend a fortune on clothes, hairstyles, manicures, pedicures, facials, cosmetic surgeries, and more.

Facades are challenging to maintain.

Many workplace bullies have committed crimes such as theft, embezzlement, and forgery. All because they lived way beyond their means. They got their butts in a crack they couldn’t get out of. And they got caught!

2. Tearing the mask off the Bully:

They put on a good show.

Seasoned bullies are also the best showmen. They put on an act to gain admiration, support, or sympathy.

They make grand gestures. They’re skilled at reading people and determining their likes and dislikes, as well as deciphering how they react to various stimuli. They are fully aware of the people and moods around them and adapt to them.

You’ll often find these bullies standing in the very center of the rooms they’re in. Also, they’re the types who despise being outshone, outsmarted, or outdone.

3. Bullies are master wordsmiths.

They use clichés, euphemisms, and loaded words to impress others with their speech. They also use big words to prove how smart they are when, in reality, they’re as incompetent as they come.

And they tell others what they want to hear and say everything with conviction. This is why bullies are such convincing liars and so good at making you look like the bad guy.

But here’s something else you need to know.

Although seasoned bullies are very popular among people, they’re also hated and feared by rivals and enemies. And they do eventually get brought down. I’ve seen it happen many times.

Julius Caesar was one such example.

“Caesar had his Brutus and Charles I, his Cromwell…” – Patrick Henry.

Abraham Lincoln quoted, “You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time. But you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.”

You can easily outsmart and expose bullies. It just takes strategy.

Eventually, the masks fall off and facades crack. Facades and just those. Facades! And no matter how much the bully may play the victim and put on fronts, others eventually find them out!

This post was all about tearing the mask off the bully to assure you that bullies always end up being discovered for who they are.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Bullies and Victim-Mentality: 9 Behaviors of Bullies Who Play Victim

2. How to Outsmart a Bully: 1 Proven Strategy.

3.  How to Outsmart Bullies: 4 Unconventional Ways to Do So

4. 7 Secrets to Instantly Expose Bullies