I don't like bullies. I never have. So that is mostly a theoretical statement. There is a big difference between theory and practice. I haven't personally encountered many folks who consistently come across like bullies. I guess you could say that I thank my lucky stars, or the God who put the stars in place.
I am not comfortable in a group where a self-appointed "Know -It -All" wants to totally control the conversation and will talk over others to ensure their voice is heard. I don't remember the context, but Winston Churchill was in a social gathering and a man introduced himself to Churchill and then attempted to stay close to his side for the remainder of the evening.
There are some people who live with an exaggerated sense of self-worth. They think of themselves as being God's gift to the world. This was one of those guys. The man talked non-stop to Churchill about how the country should be governed.
Toward the close of then social gathering, Churchill suggested to the man that, together they knew everything. In clarifying his statement, he added: You seem to have all the answers. What you don't know is that you are a total bore. I know that, so together we know everything.
Like I said, I haven't personally encountered many folks who consistently come across like bullies. The operative word in the statement is "consistently." Perhaps in the shadow of each of our personalities lies the innate desire to have things done our way, and it is our intent to get in the last word.
Decades ago, the General and I were members of a large Baptist church where monthly or quarterly (I don't remember the frequency), Wednesday night business meetings were never left to chance. If there was anything that could potentially be construed as controversial, the pastor would telephone church members whom he thought would side with him, during the week to let them know their attendance was crucial to the outcome of the business meeting.
Of course, those kinds of circumstances aren't limited to large churches, workplace settings, homeowner associations, political gatherings, etc.. If a person has strong opinions and is used to things being done their way, a bully often surfaces.
Those circumstances are not limited just to people. Even the birds of the air have the capacity to fulfil the bully role. I've watched in horror as a large dove or two strategically landed on one of the General's birdfeeders and the finches and cardinals were scattered away and mysteriously disappeared.
Of course, we didn't have that problem until the General added a platform to the bottom of one of the bird feeders. While I enjoy watching all of the birds, I don't want the finches or cardinals to be pushed away by larger birds.
All My Best!
Don
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