Am I afraid of intimidation?

The need for an Anti-Bullying rally seems to have filtered down to even the lowest common denominator.  This afternoon I received a call and the person on the other end starts to blast me. “Why did you say/do whatever about me/whoever?”  The anger and venom in their voice could cut like a knife.  A number of years ago I would have been reduced to tears, sputtering and trying to apologize; assuming that I was at fault.

But no more!   When the caller paused for breath; I responded.

“Are you trying to give me attitude?  If you are bring it on! And what do you mean calling me up and giving me a hard time about (whatever the issue)?”

I may be a legend in my own words but I am done taking flak.  In one of my former career incantations I was a Tenant Relations Officer for Public Housing.  I had hundreds of angry phone calls, and a number of angry face to face confrontations.  By then I had learned to stand my ground.  Those altercations are behind me, yet from time to time some uniformed individual thinks they can bully me with a loud voice and intimidation.   It will not work.

Some of my grief comes from being the president of my Housing Cooperation.  A Housing Coop is, by definition, a not for profit group in which each member has an equal say.  Yet all too many members are looking for a land lord when they perceive something is amiss.

In reality, we all face incidents when another person wants to rumble.  For a parking space, a grocery cart, a place in line – you know how it goes.  But like the child I was at six years old, I will not be bullied!  Anyone who wants to discuss a matter with me is welcome to do so, in a calm and reasonable manner.   Should they crank up the attitude and volume, they will get it right back!  

No one asked me   “ Am I afraid of intimidation”?