Subtle Sign #4:
You Have to Keep Your Guard Up

When you find yourself hyper-alert to verbal attacks,
you are probably being bullied.

You are wary of someone

- You avoid doing or saying something you normally would - You are careful not to leave yourself vulnerable - You engage in superficial small talk to avoid conflicts - You choose your words carefully in front of him - You expect him to misunderstand your meaning and cause problems - You expect him to criticize you no matter what you do or say - You feel strained silences or tension - You look for his hidden meanings and real intentions

You are avoiding conflict with someone

- You find yourself walking on eggshells around him - You want to avoid the pain of his bullying behavior - You pretend to have a good relationship - You act more submissive than usual - You are quieter than usual - You say that everything is fine to hide your true feelings - You go out of your way to avoid him

You are afraid of someone

- You are afraid to open your mouth in front of him - You're afraid of his anger - You're afraid of his ridicule - You're afraid of his negative judgment, disapproval or overreaction - You worry that he has too much power over you - You're afraid of what he can do to your job and career

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