"Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth, for being correct, for being you. Never apologize for being correct, or for being years ahead of your time. If you’re right and you know it, speak your mind. Speak your mind. Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth." - Unknown


How do you deal with those who try to intimidate you about your perceptions, experiences, or opinions? Do you always try to sugarcoat with 'diplomatic' words or is it ever reasonable to start standing your ground more firmly?


I have found it easier to be pleasant and pleasing about it for a while, but after it builds up and becomes a pattern, it seems a matter of being foolish to expect a different outcome by doing the same 'diplomatic' thing.

I threaten to tell their mom.
Sometimes it works....sometimes not.

If only. I remember in school if two people were caught fighting they both got the same consequence. My parents taught me if someone hits me once tell a teacher and it's their JOB to do something about it then. If they do not, and that person hits me again, my parents gave me permission to hit back.

I think I carry that onto the cyber world, except it's never been just two hits that get me there. In the cyber world, I try to practice MUCH MORE PATIENCE.

As much as pains me to bite my tongue I've learned to bypass. There is a certain satisfaction in watching rubbish sink to the bottom with the other sediment...without acknowledgement.

Moreso on other social media, but I HAVE seen negativity disappeared "here" in a conversational forum if enough choose to ignore.

maybe in another two years, if I am still around, the pendulum will swing in that direction for me too,,,,

although submission to strangers when diplomacy is failing, is not quite my style,,,

Suggestions from the APA

The most important thing to keep in mind about bullies is that they pick on those whom they perceive as weaker. So, as long as you remain passive and compliant, you make yourself a target. Many bullies are also cowards: When their victims begin to show backbone and stand up for their rights, a bully will often back down. This is true in schoolyards, as well as in domestic and office environments.

When confronting bullies, be sure to place yourself in a position where you can safely protect yourself, whether it’s standing tall on your own, having other people present as witnesses and support, or keeping a paper trail of the bully’s inappropriate behavior. In cases of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, consult with counseling, legal representation, law enforcement, or administrative professionals. It’s important to stand up to bullies—and you don’t have to do it alone.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/communication-success/201701/the-5-most-common-types-adult-bullying

Hmmm...the old "Hating the Haters" *thing*...but I DO have to admit to fuming and thinking, "THAT IS SOOOOO IGNORANT" lol

I cannot share all the things I have thought,,lol

but that would be up there,,,,

Well although strait forward honesty usually is the best policy...
Sometimes self censorship IS ok.

as much as it hurts

Is that why you hide behind that sign?...lol

I'll let that pass.

I tend to speak my mind I try not to be rude or ignorant about it..
If I need to point out bad behavior..
I do it but always on the hope that the person will change their behavior for the better... sometimes when you boil down stuff in a pot.. whatever is at the bottom of the pot. When it's done.. is what it is..

Everyone has their own 'truths'...and opinions..
Who is anyone to call them ignorant because they don't agree with you?
Opinions are like ********-everyone's got one

I'm wondering about this?^^^ ....and yes at times, am not above self righteousness. Admit it's a fault.

Is there some kind of general concensus of what is extreme, mean, abusive,...bullying?

lot of people try to bully me for speaking truth. i don't let them

to be clear, the op was not basing ignorance on disagreement, but upon people trying to 'punish' because of disagreement

i quit caring... the truth just pisses some people off no matter how you say it... but then again, there millions of "truths" out there...

I do not believe there is, even that(defining the line) is based in perceptive biases,,,,

for me it is a repetitive pattern of targeting an individual for slander or name calling, or sabotage, or threats.

Miriam Webster defines it as: use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.

I would add that it can be merely perceived superior strength or influence and it only requires one is TRYING to force someone to do what they want

How about the first person to take the conversation out of context and say, " *You* (2nd person) are a jerk?"