African_weasel said:
I'm one of those people who just get sucked into that. It just happened to me. I wish someone was in my room with me that day he told me before I moved. The guy was just starting out apparently. I wish I called him out on it then and there. Plus being a vigilante is also illegal but I'm not brave enough for that nor have the motivation either. They do have their perks though such as doing things that police can't do such as, sorry for this, kill criminals without needing to be threatened with a weapon. Not only that, their more popular with the community in general. Just read up on some groups.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigilante
Getting sucked into that stuff happens. When it does, all you can really do is distance yourself from them as much as possible. And yeah, I'm sure vigilante's have their perks. I wish I were Batman sometimes, but I'm not. So if I see some corner thug dealing crack to teenagers, I call the cops. I don't want crackheads in my neighborhood, so without awesome bat-gadgets and training, what else can I do? They do have anonymous cop tip lines in some areas.
African_weasel said:
Really I'm afraid to lash out at people actually. Mainly because I am scared of what they might say to me and not have anything to say back that will work. (Especially if you're talking to a drug dealer who talks about having a mental illness every so often.) I guess that why I hate myself so much and turn physical violence toward myself. I mean I can't even people in my family to not talk to me when I don't want them to. I am just a mess of a person in general.
With the drug dealer, again just try and distance yourself from them, because you don't need people like that in your life. Like what has already been pointed out: You have to choose your battles wisely. Nothing you say is going to stop the guy from being a drug dealer, so why bother? The dude is scum, and not worth your time.
With everyone else (like family members) just start out slow. Find ways to build up your self esteem and confidence, and standing up for yourself will become naturally easier. Once you're a little more confident, stand up for yourself if you're being treated unfairly, but don't lash out. Just think logically about what they're saying and try coming up with a response. If it turns into a heated argument, separate yourself from it and talk to the person again when everyone is a little calmer.
Don't hurt yourself over it, its not worth it. Just come here and post instead.
