I’ve included the term “former” with hope, believing that time has fostered a degree of empathy within you.
Anyone who grew up in our small town would undoubtedly remember you as the most notorious bully of our class. Your reign of intimidation extended from elementary through high school, and even into college, where your behavior occasionally resurfaced. Thankfully, I was not your only target; I often witnessed others fall victim to your unkindness during those formative years.
From a young age, your brand of cruelty was alarming. You effortlessly manipulated your peers, drawing them into your circle only to cast them aside at a moment’s notice. Your need for validation left many feeling inadequate, damaging self-esteem in young girls who should have been enjoying their youth.
Do you need a reminder of your actions?
You once followed a neighborhood child off the bus, belting out “Baby Beluga” obnoxiously. You cruelly nicknamed a 10-year-old girl “pizza face” during her struggle with acne. You falsely accused two classmates of kissing in front of the entire fourth grade, when they were simply being playful.
The impact of your behavior was far-reaching, and I doubt you fully grasp the extent of the harm caused. In middle school, I managed to avoid you, but you continued to make life unbearable for those who were already vulnerable. Your targets were often those who stood out, like the girl with short hair or the boy still carrying extra weight.
When I entered high school, your harassment returned, as I began dating the ex-boyfriend of one of your acquaintances. The torment was relentless: rude remarks in hallways, vandalism to my car, and a barrage of hateful messages. Ironically, you were far more vicious than the girl who felt wronged.
Even in college, I occasionally received harassing messages from unfamiliar accounts, which, upon investigation, were often linked to your social circle. I wish I could say you no longer cross my mind, but with social media and local chatter, your name still surfaces. Each mention is accompanied by a new story of your cruelty, leaving lasting impressions on those who experienced it.
Recently, I learned that you are now married and have a child. My immediate thought was, “I hope you nurture kindness in your little one.” As a mother myself, I have come to understand that children are not inherently mean; they learn this behavior from their surroundings or from unmet needs for love and attention. I often wonder what drove you to act so harshly in our youth. Did you lack affection or acceptance? My heart aches for both you and the child I am raising, knowing they may one day encounter someone like you.
So, from one parent to another, I ask you to break this cycle. Foster kindness and compassion in your child, and I promise to do the same for mine. If you want to learn more about fostering positive behavior in children, you might find helpful insights in this blog post on home insemination. Additionally, for authoritative resources on insemination, you can visit Cryobaby’s guide or explore the Genetics and IVF Institute for further information.
In summary, this letter serves as a reflection on the past, a call for change, and a reminder that kindness is always an option.