I have noticed that cowards and bullies are basically the same people. There is a kernel of unhappiness in their life that fuels unkind and inappropriate behavior toward someone who is not in the position to resist. In this way the kernel of unhappiness can be replaced for a brief time by a manufactured victory.
This behavior is never on display for someone in authority to see and possibly stop. It is always at a time or place where the bully can control the environment of the intended victim. When the bully is faced with a conflict outside of their control, the bully folds like a house of cards. There is deflection, misdirection, excuses and lies to hide from the repercussions of their actions.
Unfortunately, in this life there are bully/cowards everywhere. After an especially ugly episode, I chose to walk away. I do not need a bully in my life. The relationship was not healthy for my family. So, a win. On another occasion I stood up for myself. I may have unleashed the she-bear in me, and it may have been in public. That particular bully has not picked a fight with me since. So, not a loss.
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that look beautiful on the outside, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of decay. In the same way, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness..." Matt 23: 27-28
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