.
They are really just looking for compliments.
Or a good bashing? Maybe we enjoy a good bully?
Yeah, yeah, I think that's a phrase and phase coined in the 70s or 80s: reverse psychology. You'd say "does my head look big in this?" and we would judge our mates by their response.
Not sure. Don't think it's a US-UK thing. Although I used to reckon British parents etc would say "Why don't you just be normal and marry the butcher's son" (in a small begrudging 8 point font) whereas American parents and friends etc would say "You could grow up to be President, Go For It" in BOLD CAPS
I used to think Americans were more positive with a huge 'go-for-it we came from nothing' attitude whereas Brits and Europeans are more conservative and tend to think it's good be be like everyone else and we ought be grateful for what we may or may not achieve (but for goodness sake don't try too hard or you'll be laughed at or bullied.
Glad I had the North American upbringing though. Didn't learn much in school, skipped mostly. But I learned a great deal about the way the world thinks.
Reckon people get bullied if they allow themselves to be. Depends upon how you feel at the time?
xxx
