Beyond the Bruises

As many of you who follow me, know me or read my stuff will know, I’m a massive advocate for anti-bullying. To me unprovoked violence against another is unacceptable.

It isn’t two people agreeing to a match fight (for whatever reason)on the park, or a man, woman or anyone defending their family. It isn’t two equals going at it, both parties willingly.

It is uncalled for, unnecessary intimidation, physical or otherwise against an unwilling participant.

But think on this. Twenty years on, you meet the guy who made your life a complete misery. The guy who turned up at your house, malice in his mind and no amount of pleading will stop your skinny frame from being popped about.

Twenty years on and you are both different people. And then he asks you to listen for a second, to listen for five minutes, to hear him explain why he did what he did. He has a side of the story, one he wants to share, to shed some light on his cruelty. Now it may be legitimate or it might be a lot of hot air, but you won’t know until you hear him out.

Would you do it? Would you give the time of day to a man who so very nearly broke you? Would you go beyond the bruises to listen to what he had to say?

Answers on a postcard, or simply reply to this post.

* The term he/him/his has been used generally for the sake of writing. I am aware that bullying, violence, harassment etc can come from all sides of life.