I am an introvert myself, and have faced bullying various times in my life. But i like to keep everything to myself, and that's what most of the introverts do!
Many people misunderstand introverts as shy in front of everyone, but that's a big lie. Introverts do have close ones, though they love to spend time with themselves which is definitely not wrong.
As people around me knew that I was an introvert they would bully me, it could be in school, outside or anywhere else.
Here is how I dealt with bullying :
Bullies often bully people who they think are weaker than them. So, the best way you can teach them a lesson is to stand up for yourself and be strong! Prove to them that you are not below them.
Use your Inner Voice. Be confident and talk to them as if you know them, and you are not afraid of them. For eg : A lion’s roar scares the entire jungle doesn't it ?
So use your voice, talk to them face to face, and show them that they can't bully you.
Throughout my life I have understood that bullies just look for your “reaction” and they need you to get scared of them, which you should never let happen. With this in mind usually the best way to deal with bullies is by always trying to remain calm and collected. Remember that everything they say is not the truth and they say things purely to antagonize you. It is very disarming for a bully if you do not display much emotions. Sometimes we ignore these bullies, sometimes we don’t bother paying attention to them but most times we are forced to hear the unhelpful suggestions they throw at us . How bullying affects introverts? - They start hiding their feelings more than they used to before. - They may start having social anxiety and other mental health disorders. - They may have Academic/ workspace problems
There is an increased risk of depression
Actual ways that allow Introverts to get rid of their Bullies
Confront your bullies.
Ignore their taunts. Don’t acknowledge them. (Trust me when I say this helps a lot)
Keep a straight face and use your voice.
Never be a polite victim. (This is something which i have learnt over all these years )
Determine your core values. ( Your values are what guide you)
Think before you speak; no matter how long it takes you.
REMEMBER, BEING YOURSELF IS SOMETHING WHICH MAKES YOU STRONG. IT DETERMINES WHO YOU ARE, SO NEVER EVER LET PEOPLE BULLY YOU JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE AN INTROVERT!
“Don’t underestimate me because I’m quiet. I know more than I say, think more than I speak and observe more than you know.” ~ Michaela Chung
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hello! I'm Aditi Kulkarni, writer and editor of Let's Defeat Bullying. I'm 15 years old and an aspiring doctor and a novelist.