Bullying, Revenge, and the Path to Wellness
Bullying is a problem that can leave lasting emotional scars, especially in childhood. The experiences of those who were bullied and their reactions to it can vary widely. Some find ways to move on, while others seek retribution. In this article, we explore different responses to bullying and the path to wellness.
Lessons from Past Bullying Incidents
The story of a girl who got back at a bully who had been tormenting her and her friend provides an interesting perspective on how one might react in such situations. There was a boy who had been a bully, and during a particularly emotionally charged moment, she decided to throw her liquid pink eyeshadow all over his shirt. While she was prepared to fight if he hit her first, his bewildered reaction and her friend’s laughter made the situation less serious than originally expected. This experience was satisfying, especially when he tripped her later in the canteen, as he usually did, but this time he didn’t react.
Living Well after Bullying
High school can be a particularly challenging time, especially for those who are often the targets of bullies. However, it's important to note that not all bullying is physical. Emotional bullying can be just as damaging. For example, the narrator of this story was one of the nerds/geeks in high school who was often targeted but fortunate in that most of the bullying was emotional rather than physical.
The 10-year reunion of high school provided an opportunity to see where the bullies had ended up. They were usually working in dead-end jobs, driving old cars, staying married to the types of partners (cheerleaders or football players) they had targeted. They were living out their glory days, reliving their high school successes. On the other hand, the same event showcased the geeks/nerds, who had yet to peak in terms of success and happiness. Many had children and were content with their families. Their spouses were often successful and optimistic about the future, rather than looking back.
Revenge or Overcoming?
Not everyone who has been bullied seeks vengeance. Some, like the narrator who stirred up trouble due to betrayal, find ways to move on without seeking retribution. Others, like the woman who no longer works where her bully holds a job, find a sense of satisfaction in the knowledge that they have not been beaten.
The quiet, large, and fit kid who used his size to put a bully in the hospital with a broken jaw is an extreme example of how certain individuals might react to bullying. Once that boundary was crossed, the bullying stopped for good, perhaps because the bully realized the severity of the consequences.
Recovering from Bullying: The Path to Wellness
The healing journey after experiencing bullying isn't always linear. It involves emotional processing, sometimes through revenge, sometimes through understanding and forgiveness. The important thing is that one finds a way to move forward and live a fulfilling life. Whether it's through personal growth, pursuing dreams, or simply turning a page in one's life, the key is to not let the past define the future.
While the reactions to bullying can vary, the goal is the same: to promote healing and resilience. Seeking support, whether from friends, family, or professional counselors, can be instrumental in this process. Knowing that others have faced similar challenges and found ways to overcome them can offer hope and inspiration.