When growing up my parents taught me to stand up to bullies. (We’re talking about verbal abuse and manipulation, not physical bullying.) Following that advice as a kid led to mixed results yet it’s stuck with me into my adult years.
These days though, using this advice only seems to backfire. When I give them what they’ve given me, the bullies just get more angry and use that to justify their continued bullying. They see themselves as the victim.
Any suggestions that would be more helpful?
Its not just about getting the outcome you want (the bully leaving you alone). It’s about the personal habit of being equal to confrontation. Not being rolled over by fear. You don’t need a resolution, you need to be upright and confident in the face of these sniveling weasels. They’ll never go away. They’re a permanent fixture. Learn to play in that world. That’s the point.