I haven’t been harassed since tenth grade, but I have a few stories. Once in about fifth grade I was running (O.K., walking) on the track when I heard two kids talking about “getting” me and my friend who was running with me. Each of them picked one of us. My friend took off, pursued by his assailant. I continued to walk while I was approached. I honestly don’t remember the details well, but there was a punch, a kick, and he ended up in a full nelson and then I threw him on the ground. We ended up in the principals office and were friends ever since. In 8th grade I was constantly verbally harassed by a couple of kids, one day after class they decided one of them was going to beat me up. They told me it was coming. Then I was approached at my locker, I was up against the lockers and surrounded by a half circle of kids. The lead bully stepped up and hauled off to punch me in the stomach. I was obviously ready for the punch and he hit me with everything he had and I didn’t flinch. I just stood there and looked at him. They walked away and never messed with me again. This time I did not end up in the principles office. In 10th grade there was this kid who was just huge, 6’4” at least, and that’s no exaggeration, I was 6’ at the time. And he was pretty muscular too. He always gave me a hard time one way or another, and one day he told me to give him all my money. I was stunned. “What is this, third grade?” I thought. I said no. He hauled off and slapped me hard across the face and said give me you money again. I said no and that was the end of it. Moral of the story: A lot of bullies aren’t really prepared for a fight, and just want to get a reaction. They assume they can reduce you to tears with one shot and feel like big men. When you take the best they’ve got with no reaction, they’re done. No need to get in a fight and risk serious injury or trouble with authorities if a real fight is not coming your way. Which is not to say you can’t defend yourself, just that you are capable of making a decision about when it is really necessary to hit back.