They are more likely to leave you in peace if they know that you will respond to harassment by doing everything in your power to make their lives miserable.
To paraphrase Gen Patton, conflicts are not won by defending, they are won by attacking, attacking, and then attacking some more.
“To paraphrase Gen Patton, conflicts are not won by defending, they are won by attacking, attacking, and then attacking some more.”
Authorities, like, say the Sherriff, only want peace and quiet. They understand that crazy people will not respond to their orders. Therefore, they enforce “the law” against people who are being picked on by crazy people. I had a deputy say to me, “I understand what he’s doing is dangerous and maybe illegal, but if you respond in any way, I will arrest you.” There was no bargaining or discussion because the deputy understood that the guy harassing me was crazy and they just don’t care what is right or just. They only want the “problem” to go away. It does not matter to them what you have to live with. They don’t care.
That’s the way our entire culture works. And, if you throw a punch because the other guy will not leave you alone, you are the one going to jail.