From the U.S.: I’m a sophomore in high school, and I feel low on confidence. Mainly because in my odd day 4th period class there is always this kid who makes fun of me, and he always tries to point out my flaws. I tried saying something to the teacher, because he was talking to me about it but he just made the situation even worse. It’s hard ignoring him when he is saying you look like a man,you have a huge forehead, you’re ugly,etc. The thing is nobody else I’ve met point any of that out.
I went to the principle and he said something to him, but he is still doing the same thing. It’s worse that I have to sit next to him since we have assigned seats in class. He always gets in trouble, suspended, always being rude to everyone else, but yet everyone else in the class just laughs at him despite them also having the same thoughts about this boy in class.
I’ve had a history of getting bullied, and I also had some disappointing friendships. I’m a painfully shy girl, and I find it hard opening up to people because I am afraid of being judge,they’re staring at my flaws that I have, or I have nothing interesting to say.
My family have yet to know anything about this.I mostly have a bad habit on staying on the internet most of the time because I feel like it’s my only escape. Tired of being this quiet girl that everyone knows of that speaks so quietly, it’s starting to grow into anger because I never say anything I just cast it aside and try to ignore it. Tired of bottling things up, and I don’t want to end things in violence, I know I don’t have the right to put my hands on him. Sometimes I feel like I am too nice to people when they don’t need my respect. It’s so hard because I am tired of being silent, and people saying whatever to me. I don’t know what I should do at this point…
I’m so, so sorry that you are having to deal with this on a daily basis. You should absolutely not have to sit next to this guy and put up with his comments. No one, no matter how shy, should be subjected to such constant abuse.
I’m glad you tried to reach out to the teacher and principal. I’m astounded that they didn’t change your class or at least your seat. I’m even more astounded that this kid is allowed to continue making life hard for others.
What you do now is get off the Internet and talk to your parents. Withdrawing into the “net” isn’t going to stop the bullying. Withdrawing from other people by staying in your room isn’t going to help you get over being shy. Tell your parents what you’ve told me and ask them to intervene. You’ve done all that can be expected of a teen. Now it’s their turn to do what parents are supposed to do — protect you. They can insist that something be done.
If shyness continues to be an issue, please consider getting some counseling to help you learn new skills for expressing yourself and being more social. If you could do it on your own, you would have done it already. There is no shame in getting some help when you are in emotional pain.
I wish you well.
Dr. Marie
