The only way to deal with a bully is “NOW!”
I’ve had plenty of guys make the mistake of thinking I’m a victim.
One, about 15 years ago lost his two front teeth.
Another, in high school, threw a softball at my head. Missed but, I walked right up to him and punched him hard in the solar plexus. He dropped like a rock and I walked off.
Have not had problems with would-be bullies since I was a kid. Closest I came to it was somebody who got mad at me in a parking lot who apparently wanted the same space I just parked in. Saw them get out of their car and come marching in my direction obviously angry. For my part I honestly had no idea they were there and was ready to give them the spot out of courtesy. However, when I stood up out of my car the guy’s resolve suddenly seemed to melt as I was about twice his size. Its funny how people that would-be-bullies are cowards when it comes to size. I don’t even have to know how to fight. Anyway I offered to move but he nervously said it was ok and backed away. The piece of his mind he was gonna give me never made it past seeing me stand up out of my rather small car.
Good. Love happy ending stories here. Always have.