Dear Lindsey62:

I have this thread on my mind too, that’s why I started this thread. Some of the behavior the original poster of the deleted thread (I refer to her as “B”) described in regard to her “friend” bullying her reminds me of my mother’s behaviors toward me, particularly in regard to the intent of the bully to hurt the weaker person they choose to bully.

Usually, when it comes to parents abusing their children, when talking about those abuses, the parents are often excused as far as their intent goes (common excuses: they meant well, did the best they could with what they had, they had difficult childhoods themselves, they didn’t know any better, etc.). But when bullying is discussed, there is no mention of a bully not having the intent to hurt the one they bully.

anita