Bullying usually doesn't happen suddenly; in most cases, you can nearly always discern someone's intentions toward you before they act. Practice paying closer attention to your surroundings and to the people in your surroundings, and get familiar with the preliminary signs of aggression before you become a victim. I think you should definitely take a self-defense class! You mentioned also that you have lost most of the arguments you have had. If you can, take a debate class or a Toastmaster's meeting which will help you learn how to think on your feet in a non-threatening environment. IF you learn how to debate effectively, you will not lose most arguments.
Finally, try to change your outlook and perspective on life and the people in it. How is feeling like a victim serving you? Gather images of strength in your mind and focus on appropriating that strength whenever you feel low. I once put a picture of an African lioness as my background image on my laptop when I was trying to foster courage and needed help. Doing so reminded me to keep cultivating my strength.
Yes, others may be against you now, and they will certainly be against you in the future. That's a fact of life. You can keep them from harming you by becoming a person who isn't easily victimized. Learn to protect yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. You owe it to yourself to take action.
To deal with bullies immediately, the first thing you can do is stand up straight whenever they approach. Put your emotions aside and identify who is in charge and has the 'ultimate' authority (e.g. boss if this is in your workplace, police officer or call 9-11 if you are accosted, etc.) and take your concerns to them. Explain your situation in a very fact-based manner without becoming emotional. If this is your workplace, explain how the behavior of these people toward you is keeping you from working effectively and is breeding negativity in the work environment, which is bad for business. To the bullies, if they are really bad, do avoid them and always seek to go above their heads if possible. If they are merely gossipy/snippy women, tell them straight up that you don't appreciate their behavior, and ask them to stop. If they mock you or don't agree, take the matter to human resources and your boss, and pursue it aggressively. Send a clear message to these people that their behavior is not acceptable; if they have physically assaulted you or sabotaged your work then that's grounds for dismissal in most workplaces and you should pursue that.
Take back the little things by setting very clear boundaries for how you are to be treated, and enforce them. YOU are in control of how others treat you. Start to insist on respect and you will see interesting results in your life.
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