Sometimes – conflict manifests and bullying and sometimes bullying manifests as conflict.
Bullies – almost always see themselves as being in conflict. The best way to deal with this is to assume everyone will respond well to behavior redirection – until they don’t.
What do I mean by that? I mean, don’t assume the other person is a horrible person. They may just be responding to you – being wary of them. You may be misinterpreting what is going on.
You may find that when you change your attitude towards them, they change their attitude towards you. I can’t tell you the number of times someone I didn’t like – became a friend. It does happen. So don’t assume the situation is hopeless.
Unless they don’t. But don’t let the possibility of someone not responding well to behavioral redirection stop you from doing it. Behavioral redirection is polite. It’s nice. It’s compassionate. It’s dignified. Even if the other person doesn’t reciprocate – do the right thing anyway.
You will feel better about yourself if you do. And people watching – will notice and think positively about you.