There are all different kinds of bullies but they all have one major common trait. They are ALL cowards!! Since bullies intentionally seek out targets that they perceive as weaker than them, that makes them cowards. Bullies do not like to be stood up to nor challenged in any way. Most bullies when called on their abusive behavior will immediately deny it or even try to put the blame on someone else. Some will even try to turn the situation around to make it as if they were the victims. I think it is important to keep this perspective when dealing with bully issues.
The most difficult of all the bully types to deal with are the ones who appear to be the most socially successful and have the favor of the authoritative adults. Many are considered "leaders" but their flock of followers do so out of fear, not respect. Many of them are star athletes, model academic students, presidents of various clubs, etc. These bullies have lost their sense of empathy because they have self esteem that is TOO high. Therefore see nothing wrong with their abusive behavior. This "Superstar" bully is usually the most masterful at the art of bullying because they do it right under the noses of the authoritative adults literally making fools of these adults. Targets have a hard time because even if they report the abuse, other witnesses will not come forward out of fear, and the authoritative adults do not believe it.
Many bullies do suffer from LOW self esteem and have to tear down others to make themselves feel good. Many of them continue the bullying behavior simply because no one has told them that it is wrong and because no one has stood up to them.
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