The Chilton teen that activates my fight or flight mode the most is actually Tristan, *shudders*. His refusal to accept a no from Rory is just…ugh.

I wasn't a fan of Paris during the early seasons of the show but she did grew into a better person in the later seasons

It's worth noting that Lorelai took a similar approach to your mother. She invited Paris, Louis, and Madeline to a Bangles concert with her and Rory. Afterward, they started treating Rory better, for the most part.

Paris' behavior is inexcusable, but I also really pity her as a character. In season 2, Rory invites her for a sleep over, and Paris is so excited because no one has ever had her overnight before. At heart, Paris is that super awkward kid that just wants to be accepted, and Rory seems to be the only person who is willing to do that. Madeline and Louise only hang out with her because they themselves are lacking in status and academic achievement.

Paris is a pain in the first season, admittedly. But can we talk about how the Chilton version of bullying includes reciting a sonnet at people in a threatening manner? 🤣

People often say Rory was a bad friend and I'd love more videos on her friendships because I disagree and would love a professional take.

Idk if you watched the whole show yet. But female on female bullies are more out of jealousy. Rory’s mom is around vs Paris’ mom and dad are always traveling never home so Paris is picking on Rory out of jealousy of having a typical life. Paris’ parents don’t even show up to her graduation ceremony and it’s only her nanny/housekeeper.

I always enjoyed how Madeleine and Louise aren't just Paris' "pets," they're consistently styled, respectively, as a puppy and a kitten.

the only "bullying" i've ever experienced growing up wasn't from my classmates or schoolmates, per se. it came from my supposed "best friends", who made fun of me because i was catholic, and a "good girl" unwilling to "rebel". so, it's always interesting to hear people's experiences with bullying. it's not always just strangers who hate you for no reason.

My former Mother-in-law liked to bully me. I responded by just not being in the same room with her when ever I could. I still tried to do nice things for her like for her birthday and mother's day. When ever she would have a fight with her daughters, she would come and talk to me and be nice to me. However, everything changed when I divorced her son. Then it was that I didn't like her was the reason I wanted a divorce. It wasn't all the mental and emotional abuse that her son did to me and our kids. When she died, most of my kids didn't go to the funeral. The only ones that went were the ones that were still under 18 and didn't have much of a choice. We won't talk about my ex's sisters and how they were copies of their mom.

When I was seven, my nine year old brother was getting bullied at the bus stop.

2:10

I am living for the Gilmore Girls content

When I was in middle school, I had some classic bullies who made fun of my nose. My mom suggested that I beat them to the punch. So I memorized all of the insults from Steve Martin's movie, "Roxanne". I got them laughing and they realized that their insults couldn't hurt me anymore, so it turned out well. I ended up using self-deprecating humor for most of my social situations after that. The only downside is that sometimes I start believing my own jokes a little too much so it takes balance.

I admire your mother's sensitivity and intelligence in inviting the bully to get ice cream and try to get to know him, and I'm glad it turned out well for you. As a therapist, would you advise a parent to take that kind of approach in a similar situation?

I'd really like to see an episode about Aziraphale and Crowley from Good Omens.

I was bullied third thru seventh grade. It shattered my identity and made me afraid of people, especially boys/men. I didn’t even know it had affected me until my thirties when I started reading self help books. Rory had the support of a good home life so she could stand up for herself. Other kids don’t have that and spend their lives just trying to be invisible so no one will hurt them anymore. I still don’t have support but I have knowledge. I now know that I don’t have to take it. I can remove toxic people from my life. I do wish I had a resource like this when I was young! Thanks for these videos. ❤

Probably not the best piece of advice of dealing with bullies, but I do have a couple stories:

i hate thinking of little baby you being bullied!! 😢but how your mom handled it is amazing.

I had bullies, however confronting them or getting parental help never worked. Guidance counselors only told me to keep my head down and ignore them. Didn't work either. So it's nice to get so professional advice on this.