Because they might find it easier to intimidate and bully women who are quieter. Some people foolishly and insultingly believe that being quiet-mannered is akin to being weak.

quiet women are usually softer and more vulnerable...and often far more sensitive that the women that would bully, intimidate and otherwise humiliate them - makes them feel, somehow superior, but in the long run, more times than not, the quiet woman ends up the most loved and respected.

I have not experienced this.. I'm 5'2" and for most of my life weighed between 103 and 130 (not since my accident 5.5 yrs ago.. but I'm working on it) I have always found that loud, "I" type people are people who need control.. (even over their husbands) they pick on everyone.. it's their style.. but maybe it's more noticeable if the woman is the type to be easily intimidated.

Big Hugs to YOU. J.

I don't think women who are louder and more inclined to bully and intimidate others are necessarily less sensitive. They could be masking their vulnerability and sensitivity with obnoxious behavior.

I agree, Katherine. My sister is very outgoing and quite a bully. But she also takes everything in a bad way, making her ultra sensitive. So the slightest innocent comment or mistake can send her into an abusive tirade.

I never noticed the abusive people being meaner to petite people. They are just mean to everyone they can get away with abusing.

i think that bullies have low self esteem and picking on people makes them feel better for some reason.

I think it can be a game they play to look cool with their group of bitches. (note spelling) Pick on the quiet one and she won't have to worry about you getting in her face and looking like the ass that she is.

Size seldom makes one more or less quiet. Some larger women, myself included, are afraid to be overly verbal and speak out. I know I fear bringing attention to myself... especially if I am already being taken advantage of by people I know. Sometimes letting people know about abuse makes matters worse... People say... you are a big girl... why do you let them say or do that. Just because I am big, does not make me strong physically or assertive. Size has nothing to do with self worth or how one feels inside.

i agree, misswhiskers, I don't think size or loudness have anything to do with it. I do think the more quiet, reserved, vulnerable (underline vulnerable) people are much more likely targets for bullies. Bullies are all about power and are usually cowards at heart. Bullies don't have to yell to be effective - they can be so in all sorts of ways.

I think people who are horrible to other girls have low self-esteem, other psychological problems or problems at home. When someone is nasty to me I wonder what happened in their life to make them treat others that way. Also, maybe when you are with a group of other women you feel that you are superior and will climb the social ladder a little faster if you pick on someone who really doesn't deserve it. Who does? Highschool politics.

I was on a coed volleyball team...loved it. Then I went to an all womens...woah nasty. The men seemed to create balance. I made lots of friendships in coed...mostly husband and wives...but not a single one in all womens. It was crazy...I think all the women had pms every weeknight we played!!! Don't get me wrong I am sure it is not like this everywhere. I have amazing female friends but We work together. We annoy each other in our own little ways but we also have alot of fun.

Bullies suck. Ignore her. Hugs, L.

Lol ...

It should be said that you feel worse about yourself when you hurt another rather than being hurt. I don't know if this is true but it was said on a talkshow. It made me feel a bit better. That makes me awful or human or both :P

but..thinking it will go away if you ignore it..won't work
ratting will make it worse
the only thing i haven t tried was to defend myself..

Sometimes I think its just simple jealously

My guess is low self-esteem on their part, jealously, and some kind of warped go-for-it, let's knock her down so I can go up, power. They like to intiminate others.
I like to give them a taste of what they give me if I need to because I had enough of that crap from a boss. I walked outta a great job because of her. She then started on another of my (female) co-worker's.
No more will anyone do that to me. We are all better than that, and we don't have to put up with it. Your eye contact to her/theirs will be a huge help when you answer, or just say "Bye!"