Is there any way to not be a pacifist, or a way to cure it?

Question

I will never fight anyone, it is like I am too embarrassed of what I might do in front of other people or what people will think about me. I am a really nice guy and people seem to hate me for that.

I am going to be a junior in HS this year and I have been bullied pretty much all my life, and in my opinion for no reason. Any of my bullies, I have never done anything to any of them. It is like they just craved a prey to pick on and it just so happened to be me. Last year in sophomore year wasn't bad, but I am not so sure about junior year.

Do you think that they will be matured since they will be 16-17? Or will I still have this problem with them.

To get on to my question. Is there anyway to cure being a pacifist? I need courage and the confidence to stand up for myself instead of being pushed around and doing nothing about it.

Also, in my freshman year, I did not get bullied AT ALL by sophomores, juniors, and seniors, just by freshmen. So pretty much the GUYS of my age group mess with me.

Answer 1

This may sound like a really stupid suggestion, but go find yourself a good martial arts class.  It will build your confidence, develop your self-esteem... you'll just LOOK like somebody they don't want to mess with anymore.  Not that you have to walk around like Jet Li or something, you don't.  But just the fact that you know how to defend yourself shows in your bodylanguage.  If karate or taekwondo doesn't appeal, try judo or jujitsu or aikido.

Hint:  don't let on you're taking classes.  The last thing you want to do is say, "Excuse me, I'm late for karate class."  Unless you're teaching the class.  Take my word for it.