Quite honestly, your friends need something better to do with their time. Maybe janitorial work of some kind... The idea that you have to get beaten up to be a man is ridiculous. Anyone who has the gall to beat up on someone younger/smaller and with advantage of numbers needs to get a serious hold of themselves.

Afaic, there is one way to deal with bullies: show them you aren't afraid. While bullies feed off of fear, they are just as vulnerable to it as you are. I have never had a lack of confidence, or ability to go toe to toe with someone (although I am not large). I think its a good idea to project confidence, it may not seem that special to you, but other people can tell if you are confident.

I think my mind and body have been sharpened by Judo, and quite honestly, just on principle alone I would defend myself if someone hit me. The idea of having pride in yourself as a human compells me to stand up for the proper dignity I deserve as a human. Its a shame its so hard to do that for others, but hey, i'm learning.

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