Are you a man or a mouse?

Basically, I am the biggest mouse you have ever known but if someone troubles my family then I have known to become a Rottweiler. No kidding. I would defend my children and grand children to death against anyone. No joke. When a tourist made a racist comment about my son who was 4 years old at the time I dealt with him in no uncertain fashion. When I finished people in the restaurant stood and applauded and he and his wife left the restaurant. Nope - with family I stand strong!

My friend often tells me that I am a big push-over and that I let too many people take advantage of me. Personally, I see myself as flexible and easy going. Really, why bother getting all worked up over something that really isn't that important or really doesn't have a significant impact on my life. Something really has to bother me in a big way for me to actually confront someone.

Now if someone confronts me about someone, I have gotten very good at defusing situations and really talking and finding out what the issue at the heart of the matter is to solve the problem. Yelling and stomping around usually doesn't fix anything (even if it does make you feel a little bit better).

It depends on the situation, sometimes it's just best to walk away with your head up and it's just not worth the aggravation, I guess each person sizes up the situation and then either goes in head strong or shrugs it off, sort of flight or fight syndrome. I can understand your viewpoint when it comes to our children then we will fight tooth and nail to protect them or stand or for them. Other times it's just not worth all the hassle. I hate confrontations and will shy away from them, but then again I am not a people person and I can take them or leave them. It also depends on how people treat you too, my ex for example, excuse me for harping on about it, but I was a damn big giant with my ex and would give as good as I got. No one is 100% mouse or 100% man, you just have to search inside yourself for the hero at times;0)

I'm definately not the mouse. Don't get me wrong, I don't go pick fights or punch out bad guys, but I do stand up for myself if I feel I've been wronged and I do tend to hold grudges. If some one were to knock into me in a busy store I wouldn't appologize unless it was my fault. I would more likely say "excuse you" and go on my way.

humbug25 I am also a mouse or a wuss just about the
same thing . I just hate confrontations and avoid them like'
crazy. I dont post to discussions about poitics or the ones'about smoking not hurting you. They get so nasty and insulting I cannot
handle it. just too darned mean for me.I canstand strong over
important things just like others but the bumping and pushing I
just apologize and move away. I am a wuss.

I really like women in skirts Humbug. Because I can hide behind them when things get rough! I will "do" what is necessary if I have to. But I try to avoid confrontation in the first place. I have discovered that the best thing to do with an angry person is to let them talk on and on - I just stay silent. Eventually they run out of steam and I can talk. Quietly and (hopefully) sensibly. There is the occasional time when nothing will work. That's when the skirt comes in useful! LOL.

Hi Humbug, I am definitely a man, well not literally of course but yes in terms of your question. I enjoy a friendly arguement with friends but do not mix with confrontational or aggressive people full stop as they are of no interest to me as lack manners. I hate people getting in my space. I also have a special eye I give to keep people under control, it's worked for years because no one expects it and they don't want to be on the receiving end twice, a look often says more than words to the crass. I've never been a pushover and it's too late to learn it now.

I'm a bit of both hummy.. I tend to be timid mostly, but in the right situation, i'm a giant lion! if someone where to harm or talk badly about my children, i too wouldnt hesitate to step up.

mouse...
except when it really, really counts....

I am a huge pushover, a very timid yes man. Like you, I hate conflict. Even in arguments, I will back down. Except when it comes to family, I will fight to the end