How do you respond when people bully or mistreat you?

[NJmmadude]

Depends on the situation, but overall I feel no need to reduce myself to a yelling, pseudo-violent mess or becoming a passive-aggressive sage. If someone isn't being decent about something, I take a moment of self-reflection (making sure that their current lack of affection for me wasn't actually merited by something that I did), and if I can't see any of my actions that I need to apologize for, then I simply draw up the boundaries: if you can be decent, we'll continue this conversation, and if you can't then walk off your bad day somewhere else.

You can defuse anger and unkind behavior in others and still be a genuine, kind human being, and if you think that being decent to others in these kinds of situations is weakness, then consider that you are practically looking in the mirror when you see that behavior!

[dblackga]

If it had been me, I would have said, oh-so-politely: "M'am, my appearance is not a subject for discussion. Can I help you with something in particular? No? OK, then, you have a good day, now," and turn away.

Bullies enjoy making their victims feel helpless. Don't be helpless.

[oh-eve]

I get overwhelmed quickly so I would probably reacted like your sister and later on regret that I didn't respond better.

If I would use my height a little better, way less people would try to mess with me. But I guess I look too nice and people think they can treat me badly sometimes. I could just look mean and put my chest out and look down on most people but for some reason, I never think of it. I have been yelled at by women half my size.

It usually happens if I confront line skippers (in a friendly way) or people who let their dogs run around on the street or leave them in hot cars.