by AlexD » Wed Dec 14, 2016 8:03 pm
It seems to me that some of the people in that swimming pool are trying to proof something because they have complexes themselves. I would not take any of these behaviors seriously and if they bully you, they need some limits to be set on them. I had very similar issues for many years up to my 30th year. I had had a dream since childhood to become a martial artist so I could deal with the bullies at my school. But my family was into FINE arts, you see, and martial arts were simply unheard of, let alone my parents letting me pursue such a passion. At 30, I started taking regular lessons in my first martial art and I have been doing it like you will not believe for ten years now. I have switched martial arts a couple of times, and have earned a black belt in one, so this has helped me incredibly with my confidence in front of bullies and people who have always something to "prove". Have you noticed that, ironically, they always like to prove themselves in front of those they consider weaker? How come? I have learned that if you are truly secure in yourself, you don't have a need to prove anything. You treat others respectfully, help them if they ask you for help, and you ask for help respectfully when you need it. That's it. Try to ignore those people if you can. Don't let them ruin your experience. Is there a way to find someone who is an authority and is responsible for observing that everyone is respectful to everyone else? You can possibly change the swimming pool, but chances are you will encounter idiots everywhere you go, so you must at some point resolve to deal with them tactfully yet firmly. I hope this makes sense.