How to Deal With Someone Who Is Trying to Hurt You

People try to hurt each other at every age.

When a person hurts another person unintentionally, a simple apology usually fixes the situation. When someone is intentionally trying to hurt another, defensive action is necessary. Whether your pain comes from physical or emotional altercations, when someone is trying to hurt you, you need to know some basic defensive tips which will not get you into trouble with school or work authorities or the law. There are ways to protect yourself without causing anyone harm.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the situation. Some situations require immediate police intervention, such as situations where someone is trying to shoot, stab or otherwise maim you.

2. Ask the person politely to stop trying to hurt you. The person may not realize their actions are harming you. If the harmful behavior continues, further steps are necessary.

3. Refuse to fight under any circumstance. Whether the hurtful person is using words or physical means, a physical response will evoke further attempts to hurt you. Ignoring a person is difficult, but it must be done to make the hurting stop. Walk away, get an adult if you are younger or call for help from the authorities or security.

4. Travel with a friend or group of people whenever possible. Bullies or those who hurt others are less likely to physically attack a group of people, and verbal assaults are blocked by good friends. If you have concerns about your physical or mental well-being, never travel alone.

5. Recognize your own feelings of hurt, despair and revenge, but do not act on these feelings. Feeding into the hurtful behavior will only bring more hurtful behavior.

6. Discover a method of avoiding the person who is trying to hurt you, such as finding a new walking path or asking for a departmental transfer at work. People who target others will not often travel far for their target; removing yourself from the situation will usually end the person's tirade.

7. Demonstrate confidence in everything you do. Hold your head high and push your shoulders back when you walk. Greet others with a smile and a wave. An air of confidence deters others who are trying to hurt you, as a weak target is easiest.

References

• TeensHealth: Dealing with Bullying
• SermonCentral; How to Deal with People Who Hurt You; Michael Cassara