I was bullied by a group of three girls in middle school. This was a new school to me after we moved back from Japan. I tried to cope with it for a few weeks and then I responded. Fortunately, my parents had given me leather-soled shoes. Kicking a couple of them in the shins convinced them that I was not an easy target.
I’d never experienced anything like that and it was a shocking welcome to my return to the states.
You know, it’s a tough world out there if you are in any way different.
I recall a young man around 14 that came back from a mission stint with his parents.
His South African accent was heavy, and he was simply socially unprepared in any sense of the word to meld in with the other youth. It didn’t help that he was one step away from an albino, very very white skin and a toe head. Further, his physical condition left him wide open. He couldn’t do one single pushup.
We were living in a dormitory setting, and he was exposed.
Kids were both sorry for him and very annoyed at times. He didn’t have the good sense to keep his head down and get by.
He got unreasonably testy at times, and even though I’m sure there were times when it was reasoned of him, it didn’t go well for him.
My take away was that parents really need to think about the impact on their children, some of their life choices will have.
It was also evident to me that kids need to be more friendly to people outside their group. I will say that not everyone was hostile toward him. It was an unfortunate situation.
I’m glad that things turned out decent for you after the initial problem. I woudln’t wish that on anyone.