I don't believe in revenge. When people are bullies it's because

The gentle hum of the café filled the space, with the soft clink of coffee cups and the steady rhythm of rain against the window. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his fingers wrapped loosely around his coffee cup, staring out at the rainy streets. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, appeared deep in thought, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a brief pause, Jeeny spoke, her voice thoughtful but calm.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote from Khloé Kardashian today that made me think about the root causes of bullying. She said, ‘I don’t believe in revenge. When people are bullies it’s because of a deeper-rooted issue—either their family life is tough or they’re being bullied by someone bigger than they are.’ What do you think about that? Do you think bullying is always a reflection of something deeper going on in a person’s life?”

Jack: He looked up, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I think there’s some truth in that. Often, bullies act out because of their own insecurities or unresolved issues. It’s easy to lash out when you’re hurt or feeling powerless. But that doesn’t make bullying acceptable, of course. Understanding why someone acts the way they do doesn’t mean we excuse their behavior—it just gives us a deeper understanding of their pain.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about empathy. It’s easy to focus on the harm that bullies cause, but sometimes it helps to think about what might be driving them. Whether it’s family issues, personal struggles, or just the way they’ve been treated by others, these things can often fuel someone’s negative behavior. But acknowledging the root causes doesn’t mean we let them off the hook—it just gives us a more complete picture.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, but the weight of their conversation lingered. Jack set his coffee cup down gently, his fingers resting on the edge as he continued.

Jack: “I think Khloé’s point is really important because it helps us shift from a place of judgment to one of understanding. If we see bullies as victims of their own circumstances, it opens up the possibility for change. It’s not about just reacting with anger or revenge—it’s about figuring out what’s really going on and helping them heal, too.”

Jeeny: “Yes, but it’s also important to set boundaries. Understanding that bullies are often dealing with their own pain doesn’t mean we should let them harm others without consequence. It’s a delicate balance—empathizing with their struggles while still standing up for the people they’re hurting. I think it’s about showing compassion without letting the behavior slide.”

Host: The conversation between them seemed to deepen, as if they were both reflecting on the complexity of human behavior. Jack’s expression softened as he thought about what Jeeny had said.

Jack: “It’s true. It’s easy to think that the solution is just to stop the bully and move on, but often it’s a cycle—hurt people hurt people. Helping someone who’s bullying others requires getting to the heart of their own pain and helping them break out of that cycle.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And sometimes, breaking that cycle starts with the people around them offering support, not just punishment. That doesn’t mean tolerating bad behavior, but it does mean understanding that change often comes from helping someone find a healthier way to deal with their pain.”

Host: The rain had stopped, leaving a quiet calm in its wake. Inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that bullying isn’t just about the actions of an individual; it’s about a cycle that is often rooted in deeper emotional pain. Khloé Kardashian’s words remind us that empathy can be the first step in breaking that cycle, and that understanding the root causes of a person’s behavior can be a key part of healing—not just for the person being bullied, but for the bully, too. Compassion and boundaries can coexist, offering a chance for growth and change for everyone involved.