Blog Post #27: Bullies

They come in all shapes and sizes. They can try to bully you in any setting, at your job, at church your synagogue or in a parking lot because they believe they should have the space you just parked in They want something from you, your parking space or your lunch money but most of all they want your attention. They want you to notice them and be afraid of them. Our president says a lot of stupid things at times to simply get everyone's attention. It is important with him and most bullies to pay attention not to what they say but to  what they do. If you can avoid the bully do so. If you can't try not to give attention to the bully. Ignor him or her. But will sometimes you must respond and when you do appear self-confident even if you don't feel it. Be assertive. “Fake it until you make it,” is anAA slogan  that I love. And try to respond to the bully with numbers, with people at your side if you can. When confronted bullies often back down. Don't give up. Plan your next confrontation. Rehearse what you will be saying and doing.. Again enlist as many allies as you can. There is strength in numbers. Remember that most bullies are often very insecure people who probably don't have many friends that will stand by them when they are confronted. Many bullies are cowards. They have often learned to be a bully by being bullied themselves by a parent, sibling or "a friend". They sometimes are pretty broken people.

So to review don't give a bully attention if you can avoid it. Be assertive. Fake it until you make it.. And if the bully continues plan your next confrontation. Don't give up.. Remember there is strength in numbers. Recruit allies.

Ron Breazeale PhD