5 Ways To Shut Up A Bully

It's been my experience that bullies can't survive without a target. Either they need to find someone else, or they'll stop bullying altogether. I am writing this article to share with you five ways that I have found to shut up a bully. These are not my original ideas, but rather come from a variety of sources.

I'll also be sharing some personal anecdotes about bullies and how I dealt with them. As a former bouncer and bodyguard, I am well-equipped with the knowledge for conflict resolution. There will always be bullies in this world but you don't always have to play the victim role, so here are my top 5 ways to shut up a bully.

1. Ignore them

Bullies want the attention; it's why they do it. They want to convince you that they are the toughest guy or girl in the room, and so they will go out of their way to convince you of this. I have found that one of the quickest ways to shut them down is to ignore them. Turn and walk away. They thrive on your fear, so when you show them that you're not interested in what they're trying to say it deflates their sails. This isn't always the case though, so onto tip #2.

2. Give it back to them

Speak up and don't let them think they are going to get you to back down. A lot of bullies out there continue to do it because they know that the typical reaction from people to cower and give in. Don't do that! 9 times out of 10, if you show them that you're not afraid, the problem is going to resolve itself, and if you display enough confidence in doing this they're probably going to be looking for a way out of the situation as much as you are. Most bullies are scared little kids trying to show how tough they can be because they themselves have been bullied or are going through emotional issues that for whatever reason they have no other outlet for. Don't be that outlet, but if speaking up doesn't work then try tip #3.

3. Make a joke out of it

Tell them that when they scowl like that, their face scrunches up and it makes them look like a pug or a bulldog. It's not a good look, and they should stop before it stays that way permanently. You'll either get a laugh or you'll talk your way into a fight. It all depends on the delivery and what kind of mood they're in. It also depends on whether a crowd has gathered, because people love to for the masses of entertained society has to offer. The truth is though, if nothing has worked up to this point then it may come down to tip #4.

4. Get help from an adult or friend

It's true what they say, there's strength in numbers. They may call you weak or some other clever insult, but there's no shame in getting help. After all, it makes no sense to get the kicked out of yourself over someone's mommy or daddy issues. Someone else in also creates a witness and bullies like to feel that they have an image to uphold. Everyone out they're a doesn't bode well for a spotless reputation. Still, if at the end of all this the bullying continues then your last choice may be #5.

5. Stand up for yourself

I'm not saying go full-on "Fight Club" here and knock the oaf back into last week but one or two well-placed jabs can adjust someone's attitude. That is if it even goes that far because most times the fact that you're ready to get physical will make them back down. That is unless your bully is a golden gloves boxer, mixed martial artist, or wrestling fan. Also, don't forget to take into account whether liquor or drugs are playing a role. Those substances make everybody .

The truth is, bullies are harmless when you refuse to play the victim, so don't. Be smart about it and try to find a way out of the situation without getting physical. Odds are though that at some point in your life you are going to get into a physical altercation so my advice would be to get some form of self-defense training sooner or later. The way society is going, the bullies are everywhere, and they're not going to stop until someone gives them a good reason. Stay safe out there.