Standing for myself didn't automatically mean coping successfully though. So what I remember most is a constant feeling of being insecure, being exposed. Having to think about every move and every word and all the stress from it. Making choices and rarely the good ones. No wonder I tried to avoid school as much as I can.
Still, I was coping. Doesn't change the fact that I feel ambivalent about Peter-suffering-from-bullying plot. Stand up, be strong, says some part of inner me, the experienced one. Cause nobody will do it for you. But it turns to nothing when a father figure appears willing to protect.
Crave for being protected.