Nobody likes bullies. They were the bane of our existence when we were much younger, when they’d steal our toys or make fun of our outfit.
We don’t become free of these bullies even as we grow older; we just become much more able to fight back. At the same time, though, they just become much more vicious.
Yeah, nobody likes bullies. But no one can admit to not having bullied someone at least once in their life whether it had been intentional or not. Sadly, we wait for articles like this or shows like 13 Reasons Why to remind ourselves why we should be more mindful of our actions or to be much kinder to other people. Nevertheless, here are just a few things you probably did or are doing that you might not realize are hurting someone you know.
Calling out your SO for being “stupid”
Just because you’re in a relationship with them doesn’t mean they have to know everything that goes on in your head. It’s unfair to them when you call them something derogatory just because of a slip up. Even when it’s said in jest, it could hurt their confidence. Being in the heat of the moment is no reason to say mean things even if you didn’t mean it.
Making fun of someone’s taste
“Eww, you like K-Pop lol!” Don’t be surprised if some people get defensive over comments like that. They’re not being “overly sensitive”; they’re probably just sick and tired of people judging and ridiculing their taste in music, movies, and clothing that differs from the majority.
Interrogating a new hire at work
Imagine being overwhelmed with questions about your personal life by people you just met at work. It’s terrifying and stress-inducing, especially since you’re making yourself vulnerable to judgement. If you just genuinely want to know more about the person, do it in a nicer and less threatening way. Build a trusting friendship before you overwhelm them with revealing questions.
Bumping up old photos of friends on social media
Not everyone wants to be reminded of how they looked and acted how many years ago. While those who actively participate in social media “bump wars” can take a bit of teasing, there are others who don’t want to be embarrassed in a public space.
Sharing an embarrassing story that isn’t your own to a group
No one has the right to share an embarrassing story to a group of people other than the affected person. It’s sort of equivalent to sharing a secret you promised you wouldn’t tell.
Giving your SO the silent treatment
You should know that ignoring your bae after an argument will never help solve the problem. It’s nerve-wracking on their end, especially when they truly are unknowing of what they did wrong. The anxiety they’ll feel as a result of your failure to communicate could bring about worse effects not only for them but for you and the relationship as well.
Pressuring someone into making a decision quickly
Nothing good ever comes out of pressuring someone to do anything they don’t want to or don’t have enough time to think about.
Joking around that your friend gained weight
Hey, if you don’t like your titas doing it then why use that same joke on other people? It’s harmless on both scenarios when you think about it but that doesn’t make it any less hurtful or annoying.
Are you guilty of doing any of these? Share with us your thoughts below!