“Compared to the other children, I was quiet and shy.” Maybe that’s why bullies ‘saw a target on your back’. That’s the type pf person bullies pick on; I know. I used to be like that too. Carry yourself as if you can take care of anything and are game for leaving bullies’ brains (or whatever they got in there) on the curb, you will not be bothered. You may be badmouthed by frustrated wannabe bullies, but not bothered by them!