I'm sure that everyone has their own story to tell, but! I was 15 when it first started. There was this guy in high school that I knew. We were sort of best buddies for a while. Until the day came up and some other bullies figured they can beat me up. And we are not talking about pushing and shoving - I'm talking street level beat up. Broken noses, stitches and shit. So, that guy offered me help, said- "solatris, let's go -I'll walk you out". And me, being trusting, believed him. The second we stepped outside the school some dudes asked if I was the one and he said yes. Then they jumped me. I ran. Ran as if I was running for my life. Got lucky that day. Didn't want to go to school the next. Once I gathered some courage to go, i went. And it was this shit all over again. But this time I fought back. They didn't like it. So they beat me up. After a while I get the guy alone and I beat him up. And then everything escalated. After a few rounds like that(spanning a year or so) it became unbearable for me. So I decided to quit school. My folks would not allow stating that it's not a big deal. But what they did not know is that I'm all alone out there and I'm afraid. But I still managed to get through the fear and go. Thus began my journey. After summer break I went to school. As usual - afraid for my life. This is when I got jumped beaten up. Badly. But being "a tough guy who does not complain" I tried to stand up. Nothing happened. Then I told some of my fathers friends about it. They caught him, beat him up. unfortunately, I was there to witness. The same evening his parent came to my place and my folks had to settle with them for a fair amount of money to settle this thing. At the end of the day - my folks paid money and I'm still afraid of bullies. Even though I'm in my 30's now. Sad thing, I know. Could have been handled differently. But that was the time when either you stand and fight or you do as that asshole did and be a pussy. For some unknown reason, he, being a pussy, was a winning hand.