The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

I hated my bullies in middle school. Here’s what happened when one of them messaged me years later.

I never thought I’d interact with my middle school bully again — so the Facebook message came as a complete shock

Perspective by
Lily contributor
June 19, 2019 at 9:42 a.m. EDT

I hated middle school. I hated my bullies.

I even hate using the word “bully.” The word itself makes me think of juveniles and bad acne.

During those years, there were days I would come home bitter and tearful. The bullying was so bad that even a few teachers would join in.

I left middle school happy knowing that I’d never have to cross paths with any of those people ever again.

So what do you do when one of those bullies messages you on Facebook years later?