: This bond is often strengthened when the bully occasionally shows "kindness" or grants a reprieve from hostility. These rare positive moments can cause the victim’s brain to release dopamine, leading them to cling to the hope that the bully is "actually a good person" underneath.
: The victim begins to internalize the bully's criticisms, believing they deserve the treatment they receive. bully bonding
: The victim may make excuses for the bully's behavior or hide the abuse from others, viewing themselves and the bully as "partners" against the outside world. : This bond is often strengthened when the
Overcoming bully bonding requires recognizing that the "bond" is a product of trauma, not affection. bully bonding