Teasing is a normal part of life. Everyone gets teased about something at some point. Teasing is defined as such: "to make fun of or attempt to provoke in a playful way." Keyword, playful. Too often, people mistake teasing for another form of poking fun. But this form is at another person's expense and can cause harm: bullying.
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior to influence or intimidate someone in a negative way. I will say that I have been teased and I have been bullied in my life. I know the difference. As I mentioned in a previous article of mine, a lot of the bullying I experienced happened during my childhood and it was mostly mental bullying and not physical. And I'll say this again. I believe that mental bullying scars far worse than any punch or kick ever could.
But, here's the thing. I personally believe that a good amount of people don't know the difference between teasing and bullying. The difference is simple if you don't already know.
Think before you speak.
I know that you all have more than likely heard this at some point in your lives and your response to this is, "Yeah. Easier said than done." And I agree. But that's where you practice doing it.
Another simple difference between teasing and bullying is if you know for a fact that what you're about to say is teasing and not bullying and the person receiving the verbal jab knows you're only teasing, then you're in the clear.
Not only do I practice these tactics, but I will also continue to use them in the future. If I'm fortunate enough to have kids one day, then I'll make sure they know this difference because I don't want any child to ever experience bullying.
