Sometimes I post about serious issues and this is one of those times: I recently had a run in with a girl who was extremely mean to me in High School, an old bully. The 30 seconds it took for me to process her presence in my post High School life was all it took to completely ruin my day. I wanted to write this post because I don't think people take bullies seriously enough. I don't think someone can understand how awful and upset and truly small bullies make you feel unless they too have been a victim of bullying.
People always say that bullies will 'grow out of it' and I believe that to be so unfair to the victims. Being cruel and mean to your peers is not a mark of immaturity that you will grow out of, that is the mark of a bad person. And I do believe that people can change. However I do not think you should ever, ever ask a victim of bullying to fully forgive their bully.
I want to address anyone who has ever felt bullied. Please remember that you are an amazing, wonderful and strong person. If you feel as though you're being bullied reach out to someone for support, message me here if you don't know who else to talk to. Bullies can affect you in the smallest ways that can have the largest impact on you.
Always remember that being a victim of bullying makes you stronger and smarter. This issue is so personal for me and I want everyone in my life to love and care for one and other. Always remember that your actions and your words can stick with someone for years. So please, please, please make those actions and those words positive.