Dear squidgirl:

I vote for not keeping your head down, not in this circumstance, not in any circumstance (other than the extreme where someone points a gun at you, close range, and tells you to keep your head down)-

Assert yourself with this boss, as calmly as you wish, but assert yourself. You keep your head down- he will increase his attacks on you. As a bully, his mission in life is to subdue others. Submit yourself, and you energize his bullying.

It is amazing how a bully retreats when showed real strength. And real strength is not you losing your cool, screaming at him, giving him a piece of your mind once and for all, no. It is sticking to the specific issue at hand, the thing he just said, looking him in the eye, and with a strong voice, say what is true. And walk away.

You keep your head down now, you will explode, cry in front of everyone, get some people’s pity, but you will be announcing your weakness to all and that will be something you take with you everywhere you go: submit (it is only until… I must otherwise, he/she might …etc etc etc.)

anita