Two things happened for me that changed how I experienced high school.
1. I stopped being afraid of losing a fight.
I learned that if you got into a fight and and got in a few good hits, even if you lost, people would be less likely to give you crap in the future.
I might go home with a busted lip but you're going to pick up a bloody nose for your trouble.
2. I got bigger.
I grew to be 6'1" by my senior year. Bullies go for easier targets and someone who was their size or bigger wasn't usually an easy target.
I don't advocate violence as a first resort to solve anyone's problems but it's important to be able to defend yourself.
1. I stopped being afraid of losing a fight. I learned that if you got into a fight and and got in a few good hits, even if you lost, people would be less likely to give you crap in the future.
I might go home with a busted lip but you're going to pick up a bloody nose for your trouble.
2. I got bigger. I grew to be 6'1" by my senior year. Bullies go for easier targets and someone who was their size or bigger wasn't usually an easy target.
I don't advocate violence as a first resort to solve anyone's problems but it's important to be able to defend yourself.