How to handle bullies

“When you set healthier relationship standards in your life, some people will take it personally. That’s their issue, not yours. The distance you need isn’t against them; it’s for you. It’s a boundary, not a grudge.” ~Steve Maraboli

Lately I’ve been thinking about bullying and how it seems to have replaced civility as a social norm. I’m not on board with this. Bullying isn’t limited to the school playground or the political arena. Whether we’re working, socializing, or driving, we might encounter a few bullies — men and women who don’t play fair.

Bullies aim to have the upper hand in a variety of ways, a few of which aren’t as obvious as running you off the road on the expressway. And they’re not always loud and outspoken; the silent treatment is a subtle form of bullying.

Bullies rarely let you win an argument, or they’ll top (or contradict) anything you say. Likewise, they might hijack your conversation with nonstop talk about themselves. Bullies typically have a chokehold on your plans, and use manipulative tactics to stay in control. They can appear clever or charming at times, but somehow manage to leave you feeling disrespected or dragooned.

As Steve Maraboli reminds us today, creating strong boundaries is our best defense against any form of bullying. We have the right to stand up for ourselves — with civility. ~CL