Growing up, I learned real quick that not everyone is going to be nice to you. When my brother was younger, he was bullied constantly. It got to the point that he had to change schools in the middle of the year. But that didn't stop them. The bullies would terrorize him in our neighborhood, which eventually lead to him being jumped one afternoon. After that, we moved somewhere my parents thought would give my brother and myself a better life. Sadly, bullies still attacked him and tormented him. Eventually, life got better for him, but the bullies didn't leave my life without valuable lessons.
1. People are not always nice
I mean obviously if they are bullying people, they are not nice. But the point is that people are not always nice. They will not always smile and wave at you to be polite. Sometimes they will scowl at you and wish some unlikely things upon you, but it happens.
2. Ignoring bullies is not always an option
Sometimes the terror they bring you is so over powering that it cannot simply be ignored. In my brothers case, he was trying his hardest to ignore the bullies but because of certain adults allowing it to happen, ignoring them was not easy. Bullies will antagonize you until they get the response they want.
3. Not everyone will stick up for you
When my brother was being bullied, an adult allowed it to happen. Aren't we taught that if we are being bullied to go to an adult, especially when that adult works at a school. I learned real quick that some people will not stick up for you, even if the bullying gets bad.
4. Telling people about being bullied can help
My brother told my mom every time he was bullied, because of that my mom went to the school and complained about how no action was being taken to protect her son. The teachers were not very helpful; they just let it happen. The principle, though, went above and beyond by contacting another school for my brother to transfer to.
5. Stick up for yourself
It may seem hard to, but it will be better in the end. If you stick up for yourself, you will be showing the bullies that you are not afraid of them. Show the bullies that you are not scared of them and that you can defend yourself.
6. Don't doubt your abilities to be nice
KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS. If they are being mean, compliment them. Show them the kindness they are lacking. When people would be mean to me, I would give them a small smile and tell them I hope they have a wonderful day. It may have seemed a bit sarcastic, but it showed that I had more class than them.
7. Friends are important
Of course everyone likes having friends. But when you're bullied, you learn to value friends more. Being bullied can have its affects on friendships. Friends are great support systems and will almost always defend you when in trouble.
8. Not everyone will like you
Obviously not everyone will like you. I'm the kind of person that wants everyone to like me. I don't like making waves in relationships so I always hope I'm not the friend that everyone secretly hates. If you are being bullied, chances are you are not liked by everyone, but that it A-O-K!
9. Just because someone says something does not make it true
Bullies are going to constantly tell you things that they think are true, but they are doing it to hurt you. What they are saying is 100% not true. The bullies are saying it just to get a reaction out of you. Don't believe them just because they intimidate you.
10. Bullies usually have a low self esteem
Bullies normally bully people because they have a problem with themselves that they don't know how to handle, so they bully others. They do it so they don't have to worry about their insecurities. Bullies aren't happy with themselves so they have to make others feel like they are crap.
11. Bullying can happen anywhere.
Many people believe that bullying only happens at school or within friend groups. But in reality bullying can happen anywhere. It can happen in the work place, at the grocery store, or even in your own home. Bullying is not restricted to a certain area; it happens to males, females, adults, children, stores, and schools.
Being bullied is not something to joke about, and if it is happening to you, tell someone you believe can help you. Don't be afraid of them, stand your ground. Never feel like you are alone; there are complete strangers who would be more than willing to help you through your tough time. Stay strong beautiful strangers!
