Something got me thinking about this today.

[gemfyre]

[Poll #1517163]

I was certainly bullied throughout school. And a couple of times I was the bully, and I remember even then it feeling good to have power over someone else, because most of the time it was others having power over me.

And it's interesting to think how a lot of the chronic bullies have now become respectable members of society. Shit, I even remember having crushes on some of the boys that bullied me.

Comments

[stephbg.livejournal.com]

There's a possibility I became a bit bullish/intimidating after a year or two at Uni and I started overcompensating with my new-found confidence. In hindsight, my idea of friendly teasing and sense of humour might have been misinterpreted by nervous male freshers, but I never did it with deliberate intent to harm.

[gemfyre.livejournal.com]

I clearly remember, and I think it was while I was still primary school, grabbing another kid by the front of his collar all thug-style. Not sure what I said to him, but I remember the action, and I think I did it purely because I was bigger than him and wanted to feel powerful for a change.

It's really the only incident I can think of where I've been the bully. I did physically hurt friends in high school, but only because they antagonised first and I lashed out.

[tikibirds.livejournal.com]

People still give me a hard time over my last name (STRIPP)
but its noting a good smack to the back of the head wont cure

[stawberi.livejournal.com]

I was bullied in primary school, years 3-7, and I recall bullying the daughter of a family friend.

Your thing about the crushes is interesting. I have very Stockholm syndrome-y dreams sometimes, maybe it has something to do with it.

[lilblueunicorn.livejournal.com]

I was always the bullied kid. Always. Never once did the tables turn for me. Between that and being sick, I was glad to end up being homeschooled. Best thing that ever happened.

If I ever saw any of the people that used to bully me, I'd turn and walk away. I don't even want to speak to them anymore. I don't consider them friends, and as for crushes... well... you're a better woman than I am. LOL.

-§parky