When Praise Was Weaponized

Most people assume bullying is someone calling you names in the hallway or shoving books out of your hands.

Sometimes it is.

But some of the deepest wounds don't leave bruises. They leave doubt.

Growing up, there were people who discovered that emotional manipulation was far more entertaining than physical intimidation.

They'd tell you someone liked you.

They'd convince you to walk across the cafeteria.

Then they'd all laugh because it wasn't true.

Maybe they'd compliment your clothes only to tell everyone later they were joking.

Maybe they'd tell you that you did a great job on something...

"...for someone like you."

Those tiny moments don't seem significant individually.

But stack enough of them together over years, and eventually your mind starts asking one question every time someone is nice:

"Where's the catch?"