Hi Dina,
My brother and I are 1 year and 8 months apart. I’m afraid of his words. He’s very witty and can be extremely manipulative. If I have a comeback he fires right back. If he is called out he admits it and continues. He’s never used physical force and I trust that he would never do that. For the most part, my mom sticks up for me. Even though he is so much better I become a little nervous when it’s only me and him. In the past, it’s been a mix. I have stood up to him before and it would be fights that didn’t end well. I would end up feeling worse. Other times I haven’t stood up for myself (convincing myself I’m being overdramatic…) or have been passive aggressive towards his comments (i.e. eyeroll, “uh huh sure”…)