How to Get Even With Your Enemies

Dealing with enemies can feel like absolute war, but taking a peaceful approach offers greater results and less probability of damage.

Getting back at your enemies isn't a proper thing to do. The golden rule is about treating the others the way you would in turn prefer to be treat, but sometimes someone steps a bit too far and you need to let them know in no uncertain terms that what they did requires a bit of thought. Getting back at someone will usually result in retaliation, so arm yourself with the kind of revenge that is both free of damage, and generally low impact, without losing the thought behind it.

Get in shape if you are not. If you are too thin, try and gain some weight. If you are heavy, work to shed the pounds. The more healthy your body, the better you will feel, and feeling good about yourself isn't something that enemies can easily take away once you get it.

Write thank you notes to both friends and enemies — especially the enemies. Gratitude is a strong emotion and is tied with physical health. The more thankful one is, generally the healthier they are. And forgiving, or even thanking an enemy, is known as "killing them with kindness." As Oscar WIlde said, "Forgive your enemies, nothing annoys them as much."

Twist the story by reflecting it back to the owner in a neutral way. If someone spreads a rumor that you having a drinking problem, comment that you find that strange, "because I've never drank with him. It sounds like he's trying to spin this on me and I don't know why. Sad, really." Never spread rumors, just negate them.

Avoid the hurt by feeling good about yourself and reminding yourself that no matter how bad the bullying, you are never alone. If things get bad, ask the enemies to leave you alone. Sometimes they'll actually do that.

If you are friends on Facebook, or follow each other on Twitter, immediately stop that and block that person, no matter how much you think you should "keep tabs."

Writing since 2004, Darren Bonaparte has been published in "AP Unique Magazine," "The Clause Newspaper," numerous e-books and the "San Gabriel Valley Examiner." He has a double Bachelor of Arts in journalism and theater Arts from Azusa Pacific University.

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