TOXIC PEOPLE: Bullying
The 5th November, was International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School. As part of our current discussion on toxic people, we will focus on bullying today. However, along with bullying at school, our focus will also be on adult bullying.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a bully as a blustering, browbeating person; especially one who is habitually cruel, insulting, or threatening to others who are weaker, smaller, or in some way vulnerable.
Childhood bullies torture others physically and mentally. They beat up weak kids, make fun of obese and slow kids, and embarrass others whenever the opportunity arises. Mental, verbal, or emotional abuse is often worse than physical abuse because only the abused individual can see and feel the damage.
Bullies attack your weaknesses and vulnerabilities to feel better about themselves. They also use your past mistakes or secrets to embarrass you or bring you down in front of other people. They bully people they feel inferior to, as an attempt to knock them down to their level, or they bully someone else to get other people’s attention.
Bullying Amongst Adults
Bullying amongst adults is quite common. Often, adult bullies are friends with, or family members of, the people they bully. What better way is there to know your vulnerabilities and weaknesses than to know you on a personal level? If they trick you into trusting them, you’ll be more likely to share your secrets.
The adult victim believes the bully because they think the bully shows cares for them. “I believe they like me and are my friend. So, if they care about me, maybe what they’re saying is true. Maybe I don’t deserve success. Maybe I won’t measure up. Maybe I’ll always make mistakes, do poorly…” read more |