I used to get my ass kicked a lot because I didn't really understand the psychology of confrontations, and I was obviously weak. If a confrontation like the on

I used to get my ass kicked a lot because I didn't really understand the psychology of confrontations, and I was obviously weak. If a confrontation like the one here happens, the most important thing is to not display fear or annoyance. (The is exceptionally hard to do, but after you have had your ass kicked a lot it gets easier.) Then, you basically have two choices: 1) Diffuse the situation. An example of this would be to meet the intimidator on his own level of casual conversation, but with obvious elements of friendship or compassion (that perhaps are genuine, or just brazen). Invite the guy to have a seat with you. When the guy asks "When was the last time you got your ass kicked?" You can say "I get my ass kicked a lot, but I haven't had it kicked yet today." Once I was walking home through the ghetto with a pizza in my hand, almost to my apartment. The guys on the porch next door say "hey, you brought us pizza." I walked straight towards them, and asked who wants a piece, with a smile on my face. A couple pieces of pizza is a small price to show you are not afraid. 2) Or you can escalate the situation. This doesn't mean throwing the first punch (necessarily) but it could mean keeping your mouth shut, not responding to the initial questioning, then 5 seconds later getting up from the table. You go somewhere and come back quickly. When you return to the situation, you have the leg-up. You could have called someone, you could be carrying something. The dynamic is different though. At this point, keep your hands in your pockets, stay calm, and ask "what do you want?" After that don't say another word. You are harder to size up at this point, and there's a chance the intimidator will go away. If not, you can leave the place, or you can grab the person by their shirt and walk forwards with them and release them. They'll be very angry, but they'll realize that you are serious and unafraid to fight. There are a few key things to remember once the physical part of the conflict begins: - No talking, threatening or noise-making. Just do what you need, be forceful and catch the other person off-guard. - Most intimidators looking to start a fight are looking for some kind of foreplay or testing of your confidence. Don't allow that. Say as little as possible. When it comes time to act, prior to the first contact the movement should be casual but in their direction, and then silent and forceful when you have to touch the other person. In 95% of situations, you are better off leaving. But if you are forced in something you have to deal with, deal with it confidently and calmly knowing that tomorrow you'll be able to look at yourself in the mirror, even if you do have one black eye.