What's a Bully

I don't mean to be insensitive, but what the heck is a bully except for some lowlife you allow to take charge of you. You want to stop the rumors? Fight back, in a healthy way. Be strong and ignore the taunts. I DID.



When I was in high school, no one knew that I was painfully shy; as well as, physically, mentally, sexually, and emotionally abused. Actually, they never cared. They just thought I was "strange." As a matter of fact, when it was time for people to write about me in the yearbook during my senior year, it was publicly mentioned that no one had written anything about me, so individuals made up things so that I could be included in the yearbook. Or, let's pick the time when I got the nerve to answer a question in Chemistry, and the teacher made the insensitive remark that"Ms. XXX has a voice." It wasn't enough that I was abused at home, I had to be publicly abused and humiliated in school as well.



So, what's my point.? You will only be taken down when you allow the remarks to affect you. What do I mean by this? I mean, those who put you down are really covering their own insecurities. They have no life. If they did, they wouldn't have the time to taunt, hurt, or ruin other peoples reputations. Your control is to ignore these insults. Your purpose is to get through school, and to become the great adults you know you can be. If someone put your picture up on Facebook and calls you a whore, so what. You know you aren't. There is some truth to the saying "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Just keep saying that to yourself over and over again. Remember, bullying can only work if you show that it bothers you.



Join groups or clubs that are of interest to you. Write a column about bullying, and its effects on the individual being bullied. Sometimes putting things in writing allows people to see your point more clearly. If you're into Facebook and My Space like most of the kids are today, start generating healthy dialogue about the issue. Most of all, keep your parents informed. If you feel you cannot speak to your parents, find another adult that you feel you can trust such as another family member, or teacher. Don't attempt to handle this alone.



The fact remains that you need to build your self confidence. No one else can do this for you. Once you show that nothing the bully says or does affects you, you have gained the upper hand. I know it's tough, but it works. If being bullied has done nothing else, it has made me the strong person that I am today.